5-star SG Alijah Arenas talks UCLA and Arizona in his recruitment

Alijah Arenas is the No. 3 overall prospect in the current 2026 On3 Industry Ranking.

“I feel like I’m very patient with my game,” Arenas told On3. “I hear a lot about how I play, but most people say that I’m good with my pace. I’m focusing the most right now on getting stronger and my shooting ability is more consistent.

The 6-foot-4 guard at Chatsworth High School/CA averaged 33.0 points this season while shooting 49.4 percent from the field.

“It starts at the top,” Arenas said. “I take pieces from Steph Curry and LeBron. Everything from the way they move their feet to the way they see the floor. I like Jamal Crawford a lot, and it is that type of player that I try to see in myself.”

On3 was able to catch up with Alijah Arenas recently to talk about his recruitment.

“I have offers from UCLA, Texas, Nebraska, Arizona, and a few others,” Arenas said. “I’ve been to a couple of games so far. I went to a UCLA game and an Arizona game.”

Arenas Talks UCLA and Arizona

UCLA: “The atmosphere there was crazy. When I walked into that game, I was not expecting that type of intense crowd. That really helped the team. The facilities are very pro-like there. You have the best help and you have the best treatment there. I feel like at a place like that, players just need to use those tools to the best of their abilities to get to the next step.”

ARIZONA: “My relationship with the staff is great there, we’re cool. 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.”

Alijah Arenas talks recruitment

Arlijah Arenas’ dad is former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas.

“My dad has never pushed me, telling me I have to go to any one place,” Arenas said. “He has told me to explore, build the relationships, and see what is best and most comfortable for me.”

While the recruiting process is still new for the top five prospect, he has an understanding of what he will be looking for.

“For college, the atmosphere and the crowd is kind of the number one thing I’m looking for,” Arenas said. “That helps the team so much.

“I’m going to look at who I think can take my game to the next level, which is pro. I’ll look at player development and who I think will develop me the best.”

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