"Your first name is what everybody's gonna judge you on": Gilbert Arenas proud of his son Alijah's skillsets
Gilbert Arenas' son Alijah is one of the best recruits in the nation. He is ranked 5th best prospect in the 2026 class, fourth-best in California, and the second-best shooting guard of the lot by 247Sports. The 17-year-old has earned more than 15 offers from Division I programs and is a heavy favorite to follow in his father's footsteps by donning an Arizona Wildcats jersey.
It can be argued that the Wildcats’ pursuit of Arenas can be traced through Gilbert Arenas’ legendary stature in the program. However, the former NBA player believes it is a byproduct of his son’s hard work.
"Your last name gives you an advantage, but your first name is what everybody's gonna judge you on," Arenas shared with Justin Spears on the Spears and Ali podcast.
With that, Gilbert Arenas believes that the Wildcat's efforts to recruit his son say more about the youngster’s talent and potential.
"The fact that my son is even in this type of atmosphere to be recruited says a lot right? It says a lot about his training because, you know, if he wasn't that good Arizona wouldn't just be coming after him because of his who his father is right? They're looking at his talent and his upside," he added.
Arizona Wildcats feels like home to Alijah Arenas
Alijah Arenas will suit up for Chatsworth High School for his junior season in November. He received an offer from Arizona on June 1, 2023, and is yet to schedule an official visit with the program.
However, from how the conversations between Wildcats' coaching staff and Alijah Arenas have gone, the shooting guard has found a sense of belonging with the program.
“My relationship with the (Wildcats) staff is great there, we’re cool,” Arenas told On3’s Jamie Shaw in April, 2024. “They love my dad there and I love them. I’m trying to build as many relationships as I can as I go through this process. But, Arizona feels like home. They move at a great pace. They play together and as a team.”
Nevertheless, Alijah Arenas has plenty more offers to consider.
Gilbert Arenas is not pushing Alijah’s college decision in a specific direction. His daughter, Izela Arenas, went with the Louisville Cardinals despite having the Wildcats on her trail.