Yesterday the wider basketball world offered their thoughts and prayers as high school basketball star Alijah Arenas recovered from a serious car accident in the hospital. This morning, those prayers were answered in a big way.

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Arenas is now out of the medically-induced coma he was placed in yesterday and is “making progress” in his recovery. He remains intubated as of this morning.

“Update: Alijah Arenas is now out of his induced coma and making progress in recovery while being intubated following a car crash Thursday,” Charania wrote.

Charania also shared a statement from Arenas’ family, calling it “a remarkable and hopeful development” that is a “critical step forward” in his recovery.

Via X:

In a remarkable and hopeful development, Alijah Arenas has come out of his coma and has shown significant signs of progress within the last 24 hours. In a powerful and emotional moment, Alijah opened his eyes and was able to write on a piece of paper that he remembered the smoke and asked, “Did anyone get hurt?”

Although he remains intubated, this progress marks a critical step forward in his recovery. His mother, Laura Govan, Father, Gilbert Arenas, siblings and family have been by his side every step of the way, holding onto faith and drawing strength from the prayers and love pouring in from around the world.

[…]

The family continues to ask for the public’s prayers and support as their miracle baby fights his way back to a full recovery.

They remain deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by his medical team and the overwhelming love and encouragement from the community.

Further updates will be shared as Alijah continues to heal.

Just about everyone was overjoyed to hear the news, and many praised Arenas for his first reaction being the concern of others:

“First thing he asked was ‘Did anyone get hurt?’ Even in trauma, thinking of others. That’s character beyond measure. Continued prayers for this young warrior,” one user declared.

Alijah Arenas

© Abigail Dollins/Statesman Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Prayers for Alijah, Gilbert, and the entire Arenas family,” wrote another.

“Thank God!! That’s great news!” a third wrote.

Our hearts go out to Arenas as he continues his recovery.