Alijah Arenas files for the NBA Draft, could return to USC

Arenas and Jacob Cofie entered the draft as early entry candidates before Friday’s deadline.

By DILLON ZAMPERIN
Freshman guard Alijah Arenas entered the NBA Draft as an early entry candidate but can still return to USC if he withdraws before May 27. He is pictured Jan. 31. (Ethan Thai / Daily Trojan)

Star freshman guard Alijah Arenas filed his intent to enter the 2026 NBA Draft as an early entry candidate, according to an NBA press release issued Monday. Arenas will still retain his college eligibility if he decides to return to USC by May 27.

After sustaining injuries last April and July, including a torn meniscus, Arenas returned to the court, averaging 14.1 points, 2.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 14 games, quickly becoming a top option for Head Coach Eric Musselman.

Arenas has yet to publicly announce a decision, though he applied as an early entrant prior to Friday’s deadline.


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Sophomore forward Jacob Cofie, who re-signed with the Trojans in early April, also applied as an early entrant, alongside former USC center Gabe Dynes, who announced his commitment to Louisville in the transfer portal Saturday.

All three must decide whether to withdraw their entry or return to their respective colleges by May 27 in order to retain college eligibility.

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