The world held its breath during the dawn of April 24. When news broke that 18-year-old basketball prodigy Alijah Arenas had been involved in a horrific car crash. The accident left the five-star recruit trapped inside a burning vehicle, fighting for his life. For over 2 days, fans, friends, and family clung to hope as updates remained scarce, until a few hours ago. In a miraculous turn, the Arenas family has shared a hopeful update that Alijah has awoken from his coma.

A family representative reached out to ESPN with the long-awaited news. “In a remarkable and hopeful development, Alijah Arenas has come out of his coma and has shown significant signs of progress within the last 24 hours,” the statement said. “However, he’s still intubated.” Even in his fragile state, Alijah’s first concern was for others. The statement revealed that he opened his eyes and, though unable to speak, wrote on a piece of paper: “Did anyone get hurt?” It was a moment that left his family in tears.

The Arenas family’s relief is matched only by their immense gratitude for the brave stranger who pulled Alijah from the wreckage. The rescuer recounted the harrowing moment: “I remember hearing banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick… We just knew we had to get him out.” Their quick thinking and courage saved Alijah’s life, and the family has made it clear that they owe everything to the hero. The medical team treating him has also been praised for their exceptional care in the family’s public statement.

The outpouring of love and support hasn’t stopped there. Uncle Matt Barnes and his sons, Zay and Carter Barnes, took to Instagram to celebrate Alijah’s progress. Matt Barnes (@matt_barnes9) shared an emotional story, dubbing it with “hang in there bro @alija0arenas”. Zay Barnes (@zaybarnes30) posted, saying “he’s awake,” expressing relief. Carter Barnes (@carterbarnes35) also shared his joy, writing, “the kid is awake,” after which he shared a lovely picture of the trio- the twins and Alijah.

As Alijah continues his recovery, the basketball community and fans worldwide remain united in support. The Arenas family has asked for continued prayers, but for now, they are celebrating a miracle.

Alijah Arenas’ Basketball Journey and the Road Ahead

The 18-year-old son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas had been carving his path in basketball as a highly touted five-star recruit. Known for his sharp shooting and playmaking ability, he had drawn comparisons to his father. While building his own reputation at Sierra Canyon High School. At a program that produced NBA talents like Bronny James and Ziaire Williams. College scouts and analysts had already pegged him as a future NBA prospect.

The question now is whether Alijah can return to the court. While his recovery progress is encouraging, major accidents have derailed and sometimes reshaped the careers of even elite athletes. In the NBA, Jay Williams, the former No. 2 overall pick, saw his career end after a motorcycle crash in 2003.

On the other hand, some athletes have defied the odds. Paul George, who returned to All-Star form after a horrific leg fracture. Shaun Livingston, who came back from a near career-ending knee injury to win championships. Alijah’s youth and support system work in his favor, but only time will tell if his body can withstand the demands of high-level basketball again.

For now, the focus remains on Alijah’s recovery, not his jump shot. His family’s relief at his awakening was obvious. Their gratitude to the rescuers and medical team outweighs any talk of a comeback. The Arenas family knows better than most how fleeting a career can be. Gilbert’s own NBA journey was cut short by injuries. But right now, the only stat that matters is Alijah’s health. The game will always be there. His life comes first.