Eric Musselman Supports Alijah Arenas’ Decision to Stay in 2026 NBA Draft or Return to USC

Alijah Arenas has a big decision to make over the next few weeks. He will need to decide whether to remain declared for the 2026 NBA Draft or return to USC for a second chance to leave a lasting impression in college basketball.

Arenas was a five-star prospect and a 2025 McDonald’s All-American when he joined USC. He was one of the most anticipated freshman going into the 2025-26 season. But a combination of a serious car crash and a torn meniscus left Arenas on the sidelines for the first 18 games of the season.

The freshman guard made his college debut on Jan. 21 and went on to start in 13 of 14 games he played in. Arenas averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game and earned one Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor in February.

Feb 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman and guard Alijah Arenas (0) react against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The fact that Arena’s freshman season was interrupted by injuries could be the reason he decides to come back to USC next season.

Arena’s father, three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, said his son wants a chance to show what he can do at the college level.

“I (Gilbert) said, ‘If you want to come back again, why would you?’ He (Alijah) said, ‘I want to lead college in scoring. I don’t think these people know what I could do,'” the elder Arenas said on “Hoopin’ N Hollerin” in March.

USC Will Support Arenas on Either Decision

Of course, the Trojans would benefit from Arenas returning next season.

USC did not get a chance to fully capitalize on having one of the top recruits of the high school class of 2025 on their team. USC head coach Eric Musselman said the program supports Arenas on whichever decision he makes.

“We just want to be here to support him whether it’s go to the NBA and try to get drafted as high as possible or whether it be come back to potentially play here at USC,” Musselman said on “The Jim Rome Show”. “Whatever decision he makes is gonna be a great one for him, because I know he’s super motivated to prove people wrong.”