NCAA denies USC F Stepheson eligibility

Nov 20, 2008 - 3:05 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Southern California announced Wednesday that the NCAA has denied forward Alex Stepheson's waiver petition for eligibility for the 2008-09 season after he transferred from North Carolina last spring.

The rules state that a player has to sit out one season after transferring from one four-year school to another, but the NCAA has allowed players in recent years to become immediately eligible if the move qualifies for an exception.

Originally from Los Angeles, Stepheson transferred to USC to be closer to home, citing family issues. The 6-9 forward missed a couple games with the Tar Heels last season to be with his ailing father.

If Stepheson had been declared eligible, his presence would have given 20th-ranked USC (2-0) a big boost on the front line alongside Taj Gibson.

"We were disappointed to learn about this decision, but I respect the NCAA process," Trojans coach Tim Floyd said. "We understand this has been a very complicated process and appreciate the efforts of the USC staff, the NCAA, North Carolina and Alex and his family.

"Alex would have really helped our team this season and would have had a big impact in the Pac-10, but we will have to move beyond this now. He practiced hard and showed us the kind of player he is. I'm confident he'll work even harder now and prepare himself for next season."

Last season, Stepheson averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 14.5 minutes to help North Carolina reach the Final Four.