Sky’s Angel Reese Sends Love to USC Commit Alijah Arenas Following Car Crash

In a moment that has sent shockwaves through both the basketball world and social media, Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese took to her platform to send love and support to USC commit Alijah Arenas, following reports that the high school basketball phenom was involved in a car crash earlier this week.

The gesture from Reese, known for her outspoken personality and fierce competitive spirit, has struck a deep chord with fans and fellow athletes alike—many of whom were unaware of the severity of the incident until her emotional message brought it into the spotlight.

Alijah Arenas: Rising Star Faces an Unexpected Hurdle

Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, has been dominating headlines for the past two years due to his elite play at the high school level. A top-tier recruit, Alijah recently committed to play for the University of Southern California (USC) and was widely considered one of the most exciting young prospects in the country.

But this week, that promising path took an unexpected detour.

While full details about the crash remain limited, multiple sources have confirmed that Arenas was involved in a car accident that left him shaken and with minor injuries. Thankfully, there were no fatalities or life-threatening conditions reported. Still, the news was enough to stir anxiety and concern across the basketball community, especially among those closely watching the next generation of NCAA and future NBA talent.

Angel Reese Reacts on Social Media

Angel Reese, fresh off her WNBA debut with the Chicago Sky and already a cultural icon thanks to her college dominance at LSU, posted on X (formerly Twitter) a heartfelt message:

“Praying for you @alijaharenas3 🙏🏽 Stay strong, young king. The world needs your light on and off the court.”

Within minutes, the post racked up thousands of likes and retweets, with fans praising Reese for her empathy and maturity. Her words, simple yet powerful, were a reminder that rivalries and competition take a backseat in moments of real-life hardship.

This isn’t the first time Reese has used her platform to uplift others. She has long been vocal about mental health, community solidarity, and the importance of unity in the world of sports—particularly among Black athletes. But this moment felt especially poignant, considering the timing and Arenas’ emerging place in the sport’s future.

Fans Flood the Comments With Support

Reese’s post immediately triggered a wave of comments from fans, celebrities, and fellow athletes. Some sent their prayers. Others shared their admiration for Reese’s leadership and emotional intelligence. But one recurring theme dominated the replies: curiosity about the details of the crash and concern for Alijah’s well-being.

One user wrote:

“We hadn’t even heard about the crash until Angel said something. Shows how powerful her voice really is.”

Another commented:

“Thank you for bringing attention to this. Prayers up for Alijah. Hope he heals fast—on and off the court.”

Many noted how Reese’s influence continues to transcend basketball. Her simple tweet ignited a conversation across social media platforms, pushing national outlets to begin reporting on the story more seriously.

Gilbert Arenas Responds

Later that evening, Gilbert Arenas—Alijah’s father and a former Washington Wizards star—took to Instagram Live to give a brief update on his son’s condition. While not revealing too many details, Gilbert reassured fans that Alijah was “okay, shaken up but strong.”

He also took a moment to thank Reese personally, saying:

“Big shoutout to Angel Reese. That was real love. Real recognize real. Appreciate you, young queen.”

The clip quickly went viral, further endearing Reese to fans of all ages and backgrounds.

A Message That Echoes Beyond Basketball

What made Reese’s message particularly impactful wasn’t just the timing—it was the genuine tone of solidarity it conveyed. At only 22, Angel Reese has become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball. But she’s also demonstrated time and time again that her values go far beyond the hardwood.

In an era where athletes are more empowered than ever to speak out and shape public narratives, Reese has shown a remarkable ability to use her platform meaningfully.

From her support of teammates, her public defense of women’s sports, to moments like this—she continues to evolve from simply “The Bayou Barbie” into a voice for the next generation.

Alijah’s Road to Recovery

As of now, no timeline has been set for Alijah Arenas’ full return to training. USC has not released an official statement, but sources close to the program say they are in contact with his family and monitoring his health.

For now, the focus appears to be on recovery—both physical and emotional.

And while no one ever wants to see a young athlete endure such a scare, this situation has brought out the best in the basketball community. Messages of encouragement have flooded Alijah’s social media accounts, and fans are hopeful he’ll make a full comeback.

The Bigger Picture

In a sports world often dominated by competition, stats, and highlight reels, this moment was a necessary pause. Angel Reese’s words reminded us of the humanity behind the game—that these athletes, regardless of age or level, are people first.

Her message may have started as a brief social media post, but it became a rallying cry—uniting fans across generations and backgrounds in a shared wish for healing.

And for Alijah Arenas, it was a reminder that the basketball world is watching, caring, and rooting for him—not just because of what he can do on the court, but for who he is off it.