The USC Trojans were dealt a massive blow when the Alijah Arenas news broke. He was one of the most promising players in all of college basketball, and he’s now looking a long absence.
Alijah, the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, was expected to have a prominent role with the USC Trojans. Now, he will miss at least six to eight months with a knee injury.
That has put him in a tough spot. On the one hand, he could opt to redshirt this season. But as Alexander O’Reiley of Sportskeeda points out, it will all depend on his plans for the NBA Draft.
Alijah Arenas could sit out the whole year
“By medically redshirting, he can sit out the entire season and retain four years of eligibility. That would also remove any risk of Arenas rushing back to play before he is fully recovered from his injury,” O’Reilly wrote. “The biggest reason Alijah Arenas would not choose to redshirt would likely be if he is not planning to stay in college for four years.”
Needless to say, declaring for the NBA Draft after missing his freshman season could take a huge toll on his draft stock. He graduated early, so he could technically sit out the season and still be good.
Then again, his injury timeline puts him on track to suit up and play in the final stretch of the campaign and in the NCAA Tournament, although that might not be the wisest decision.
