F Stepheson to transfer from UNC

May 16, 2008 - 10:17 PM CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Sophomore forward Alex Stepheson is leaving North Carolina due to unspecified health concerns in his family.

A native of Los Angeles, Stepheson will be moving back to the West Coast to be closer to his family.

"My family is dealing with some health challenges at this time and as a result I have made the decision to transfer to be closer to home," Stepheson said. "The two years I have spent as a Tar Heel have been great. My teammates, Coach Williams and his staff and the whole Carolina family are the best. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to be a Tar Heel and I wish the program the best in the future."

The 6-9 forward appeared in 37 games this past season, scoring 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 14.5 minutes.

Stepheson also averaged 6.0 points in the NCAA Tournament, as the Tar Heels reached the Final Four for the second time in four years under coach Roy Williams.

"I am extremely, extremely disappointed but I feel so great about Alex that I understand his decision to transfer," Williams said. "He is doing this because of health concerns and by being closer to home he will be able to provide the necessary support and help his family needs at this time."