USC Lands A Big Transfer From North Carolina

USC continues to rebuild in the post-O.J. Mayo era by landing a big transfer in Alex Stepheson from North Carolina, according to today’s Los Angeles Times. Stephenson is a 6-foot-9 junior power forward, who is seeking a waiver to gain immediate eligibility.

But this isn’t any ordinary transfer. The main reason Stepheson is enrolling at USC is because his father, who lives in Southern California is suffering from an illness not know to the public, according to his mother Diane Stepheson.

Stepheson and his family apparently decided it was best to be closer to his father during his illness. Fortunately USC had an available scholarship after reserve guard Angelo Johnson decided to transfer earlier this month.

Stepheson’s presence could have a big impact on the Pacific-10 standings this season. While at North Carolina Stepheson played on the Tar Heels’ Final Four team last season averaged 14.5 minutes, 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and shot 53.9% from the field.

He played his high school basketball at Harvard-Westlake High School in North Hollywood. Stepheson was a fourth-team Parade All-American averaging 20.4 points and 17.8 rebounds a game in his senior season winning a sectional title and losing the state championship game by one point.