The Los Angeles, Calif., native scored 237 points, grabbed 252 rebounds and blocked 45 shots in 75 games as a Tar Heel. His career highs included 12 points against Mount St. Mary's and 11 rebounds against Boston College. This past season he was tied for fourth on the squad in rebounding at 4.5 per game and was third in blocked shots with 33. He made 26 of his last 35 shots from the floor (74.3 percent).

"I am extremely, extremely disappointed but I feel so great about Alex that I understand his decision to transfer," says head coach Roy Williams. "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. He is a wonderful kid. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching him and know that he would have contributed so much more in the next two years. Nevertheless, I have tremendous respect for Alex and know that he will always be part of our Carolina Basketball family. I'll miss him, but he will always be important to me."

Stepheson averaged 6.0 points in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, including back-to-back double figure scoring games against Mt. St. Mary's (12) and Arkansas (10). He was the Tar Heels? defensive player of the game against the Razorbacks and against Washington State in the Sweet 16.