USC men’s basketball just got stronger now that guard Alijah Arenas has reportedly decided to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft and return to USC next season, according to the Los Angeles Times.

On Monday, the NBA listed Arenas, forward Jacob Cofie and center Gabe Dynes as three of 71 early entry candidates for the NBA Draft. Early entry candidates are eligible to withdraw their names from the draft until 2 p.m. PT on Saturday, June 13. In order to maintain NCAA eligibility, players must withdraw by May 27.

As of now, all three of USC’s early entry candidates have at least a year of remaining NCAA eligibility.

The initial plan was for the former five-star prospect to play one year of college basketball with the Trojans then declare for the NBA Draft. But Arenas did not get to make his college debut until January after being involved in a car accident in May 2025 then undergoing knee surgery in late July.

Arenas’ father and three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas said Alijah felt he did not get a chance to show the NCAA what he could do. Returning to USC is an opportunity for redemption.

“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.

Arenas came into USC as one of the top prospects in the nation. He was a 2025 McDonald’s All-American and became the all-time leading scorer in CIF LA City Section history in just three seasons.

If all goes as planned, and Arenas gets to play a full season, he will not only have a chance to make a name for himself in the NCAA but could also improve his draft stock before 2027.

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