NCAA denies Alex Stepheson

USC forward Alex Stepheson’s petition for immediate eligibility to compete at USC after transferring this fall from North Carolina has been denied by the NCAA. He will not be eligible for competition at USC in the 2008-09 basketball season.

USC will consult with Alex and his family on the next course of action.

Stepheson played the last two seasons at North Carolina, appearing in 75 games, making 52.7% of his shots. Last season, he averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds while leading the Tar Heels in rebounds six times.  Stepheson prepped at Harvard-Westlake HS in North Hollywood, where he averaged 20.4 points and 17.8 rebounds as a senior.

QUOTE FROM USC HEAD COACH TIM FLOYD:

"We were disappointed to learn about this decision, but I respect the NCAA process. 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. Even though it appears he won’t be suiting up for us this year, he’ll be an integral part of our Trojan basketball team."

-- Release from USC Sports Information Department