Open USC basketball practice gives Trojan fans an Alijah Arenas update

The summer months provide coach Eric Musselman a chance to start working with the current roster toward the upcoming season. For those already on campus, June and July can serve as a good opportunity to get a jump on preparations.

Hosting an open practice, media members were able to get an early impression of what this Trojan team is starting to look like. Connor Morrissette from USCFootball.com reported from the Galen Center venue that Alijah Arenas, however, would not be present.

The guard is not on campus. Instead, Arenas is finishing up his high school classes and will enroll at USC later in the year, according to the post Morrissette shared on X.

This is one of the more basketball-specific updates that Trojan fans have received since Arenas' car accident. The reporter did not offer anything further at this time in regard to the guard and his current status.

LA Times reporter Ryan Kartje did share on X that Arenas was present and watching the Trojans practice. Currently, only as an observer, many are eagerly awaiting the first time the incoming freshman will step out onto the court in Cardinal and Gold. 

Early glimpse at new USC basketball member

Morrissette did share a clip showing Auburn transfer Chad Baker-Mazara participate in a transition drill. There is not necessarily too much that can be taken from anything at this point in the year. It is nice to see some action, even if it is in a practice setting, on the hardwood.

Between the number of new faces in the Trojan program and some of the returners, coach Musselman and this staff will look forward to tackling USC's second year in the Big Ten. Success and how the upcoming season unfolds begin now.

It appears as if the Trojan program is not wasting any time to shake off any rust from the break away from the action and is instead full throttle on making the needed improvements to be a resilient, competitive side once the season starts.