Clippers star James Harden has expressed admiration for Chatsworth High School junior Alijah Arenas. Harden’s praise for the son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas highlights the rising star’s potential to follow in his father’s—and perhaps Harden’s—footsteps.
James Harden Finds ‘Heir’ in Alijah Arenas
James Harden Sees Himself in Alijah Arenas
Harden compared his own high school experiences to those of Alijah, currently ranked fourth in ESPN’s class of 2026. He noted that both players sought to test themselves by competing against professional-level talent early.
“I saw Alijah this summer,” Harden said. “He reminded me of myself in the sense that he played against pros while still in high school.”
This approach, according to Harden, accelerates development by exposing young players to the physicality and skill set of elite basketball.
Arenas’ Stellar Performances Are Hard to Ignore
Standing at 6-foot-6, Alijah Arenas has dazzled scouts and fans alike. As a freshman, he averaged an incredible 30.3 points per game. His scoring rose to 33 points per game in his sophomore year. Arenas has showcased his abilities during AAU tournaments with the Compton Magic and at USA Basketball’s under-17 national team training camp. This summer, he faced off against NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Bennedict Mathurin in open runs.
“I want to face the toughest competition,” Arenas said. “That’s how I’ll become the player I want to be.”
College Powerhouses Are Taking Notice
Top college programs are actively pursuing Arenas. He has received offers from schools like Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, and UCLA. Arizona State, California, and Fresno State have also expressed interest.
With two years of high school left, Arenas plans to take his time evaluating these opportunities.
James Harden Offers Mentorship To Alijah Arenas
Harden has taken a personal interest in Arenas’ development. The former MVP even extended an invitation to train together.
“I just spoke to him and said, ‘If you ever need anything, reach out, and we can train together,’” Harden revealed. “He’s a true student of the game.”
This mentorship could prove invaluable for Arenas, who aspires to grow beyond his scoring reputation.
Arenas Aims to Broaden His Identity
Despite his scoring accolades, Arenas doesn’t want to be defined solely by his offensive output.
“It’s scoring that people associate me with,” Arenas admitted. “However, I want to change that perception. I want to be known for much more than just scoring.”
His versatility has drawn comparisons to Jamal Crawford and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, Arenas is intent on forging his own path.
“If I see something and like it, I’ll incorporate it into my game,” he explained.
A Promising Future Ahead
As Arenas prepares for his junior season, he remains focused on diversifying his skill set and embracing new challenges. His ability to score, compete at high levels, and seek mentorship from players like Harden underscores his potential to become one of basketball’s next big stars.
Harden’s recognition of Arenas as a kindred spirit and potential heir reflects the high expectations surrounding the young phenom. If Arenas continues on this trajectory, he may not only live up to the hype but redefine it entirely.
