Five-star prospect and USC commit Alijah Arenas placed in induced coma following horrific car accident

It has been claimed that five-star prospect Alijah Arenas has been placed in an induced coma after being involved in a serious accident.

Alijah, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, was taken to the hospital on Thursday morning and has now been placed in an induced coma.

As reported by ESPN's senior NBA insider Shams Charania, who wrote on social media: "Five-star prospect and USC commit Alijah Arenas was involved in a serious car crash early Thursday morning, hospitalised and placed into an induced coma, sources tell ESPN. Arenas, 18, is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas."

According to TMZ, Alijah crashed his Tesla Cybertruck, with the car said to be 'mangled' on the side of a road in Los Angeles.

It has been claimed that emergency services arrived at the scene at around 4:55am, and the front of the car was on fire.

Currently, it is unclear whether anybody else was in the car with Alijah, who was reportedly out of the vehicle when the authorities arrived at the scene.

Prior to his accident, Alijah was one of the most highly rated recruits in this year's college basketball recruiting class.

Alijah Arenas has been involved in a car accident. Image: Getty

It has been said that the youngster rejected big offers from big-name programs such as Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky and Louisville in order to commit his future to the Trojans until January 30.

The 18-year-old was also selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Game, scoring 11 points in the yearly event.

Alijah's father, Gilbert, played for the likes of the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gilbert is a three-time NBA All-Star, a three-time member of the All-NBA Team and was also voted as the NBA's Most Improved Player of the 02/03 season.

The 43-year-old last played in the NBA during the 11/12 campaign.