Alijah Arenas Makes USC Debut After Injuries

LOS ANGELES — Freshman guard Alijah Arenas made his long-awaited debut for the USC Trojans on Wednesday night, starting against Northwestern at the Galen Center after overcoming a series of injuries that delayed the start of his college career.

The 6-foot-6 Arenas, a five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American from Chatsworth High School in California, entered the game fully cleared following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, which he sustained during a practice session in late July. His return to full practice came about a month earlier, allowing him to reintegrate with the team ahead of this Big Ten matchup.

Arenas' path to the court included a harrowing single-car crash in April, when he struck a tree in an incident that caused a fire. He was hospitalized for six days and placed in an induced coma due to smoke inhalation but avoided major physical injuries from the accident. Officials with the Trojans confirmed he had recovered sufficiently to resume basketball activities before the knee issue sidelined him.

"It was great to have him back with the rest of the guys," USC coach Eric Musselman said last month after Arenas' first practice session. "He's got such a...