As Gilbert Arenas showcased his basketball talent, his son was making waves in his own right.
This seems to be a family thing.
In her fifth game as a college player, USC freshman Aliyah Arenas put on an impressive performance, scoring 29 points against Indiana on Tuesday, leading her team to a crucial win.
While her father, the former NBA All-Star, was busy recording a podcast, he watched his daughter play from a distance. Aliyah certainly gave him plenty to discuss in future episodes.
“He actually told me I would start seeing improvement around Game 5, and he really backed that up,” Aliyah mentioned to the California Post. “So, I owe him a lot.”
Aliyah had to wait until late last month for her season debut, facing several obstacles along the way. Last spring, her father faced a serious health scare after being hospitalized following a crash in his Tesla Cybertruck. Then, a knee injury set him back during the summer just when he was making strides in his recovery.
After returning to practice, he quickly improved and navigated through challenges, and his scoring punch against the Hoosiers equaled his dad’s best performance during his freshman year at Arizona.
Remarkably, Aliyah felt fortunate, especially considering everything that had transpired.
When asked about what her time on the court means to her, Aliyah said, “It’s just about being present.” “Whether I’m playing or sitting out, just living this moment is amazing. It’s not solely about basketball; it’s about being alive.”
She kicked off her big game with an early 3-pointer and followed it with a smooth mid-range jumper. One of her standout moments was a hesitation crossover that allowed her to slip past a defender for a scoop layup.
“I had a blast, even before I scored,” Aliyah said, sporting the same No. 0 jersey her father wore, known as “Agent Zero.” “I saw my teammates doing well, and that uplifted me too.”
As the Trojans (17-6 overall, 6-6 Big Ten) sought an essential win to boost their NCAA Tournament prospects, Aliyah didn’t disappoint. A strong second half netted her 19 points, including a fouled lean jumper, multiple 3-pointers, and a drive that cut through two defenders before finishing with a floater.
USC coach Eric Musselman praised her abilities, noting, “He’s always got his shooting down.” He emphasized her knack for creating scoring opportunities.
Aliyah’s game was especially important since Chad Baker-Mazara, the team’s second-best scorer, suffered a knee injury in the second half. Responding to the situation, Aliyah adopted an aggressive playing style, heeding her teammates’ and coaches’ advice.
“I told the guys, play your own game. Don’t let anyone rush you. Be yourself and manipulate the situation,” Aliyah shared.
She looked forward to dissecting game footage with her dad, keeping the family tradition alive. They both enjoyed reliving plays, especially her father’s epic duel with Kobe Bryant in December 2006, where Bryant scored 45 points but Arenas shined with 60, leading the Wizards to victory.
“I remember that game vividly,” Aliyah reflected. “The competition was something else.”
Regarding family resemblances, Aliyah noted that her 14-year-old brother, Aloni, shares many traits with their father.
“I see so much of my dad in my brother—speed, strength, agility—those traits are definitely from him,” she remarked.
After reviewing footage from her standout game, Aliyah remained focused on improvement, recognizing areas that needed work. She mentioned being more aware defensively and enhancing her overall play.
Her father’s advice? To embrace the journey ahead.
“Just keep pushing,” Aliyah reiterated. “There are more opportunities coming. I need to stay disciplined, calm, and humble, enjoying what I do because there will be ups and downs, but I’m aiming higher.”
If her recent performances are any indication, that upward trend is certainly in sight.
