Alijah Arenas, a top-10 basketball recruit and son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, has recently narrowed his college choices to five programs: Kentucky, Louisville, Arizona, USC, and Kansas.
This announcement was made on his father’s podcast, “Gil’s Arena,” coinciding with his selection to the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game.
Reclassification and Rankings
Originally a member of the 2026 recruiting class, Arenas has reclassified to 2025, accelerating his transition to collegiate basketball. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 180 pounds, he plays as a guard for Chatsworth High School in California. Following his reclassification, Arenas is ranked 10th overall in the 2025 class by both On3 and 247 Sports, and 12th by ESPN.
Kentucky’s Recruitment Efforts
The University of Kentucky extended a scholarship offer to Arenas in November 2024, recognizing his potential to enhance their roster. However, as of now, Arenas has not visited the Lexington campus. With other top recruits making commitments elsewhere, Kentucky may have additional resources to allocate toward securing Arenas.
Family Connections and Other Contenders
Arenas has notable family ties influencing his decision. His father, Gilbert Arenas, is an alumnus of the University of Arizona, and his sister, Izela Arenas, currently plays basketball for the University of Louisville. These connections could play a significant role in his final choice.
Prospects for Kentucky
While Kentucky’s passionate fan base and storied basketball tradition are appealing, the lack of an official visit from Arenas raises questions about their standing in his recruitment. The Wildcats’ coaching staff may need to intensify their efforts to secure a commitment from this elite scorer.
As the recruitment process progresses, basketball enthusiasts will keenly observe Arenas’ decision-making journey, anticipating which program will ultimately benefit from his talents.
