Jeff Eisenberg has a little more on Stepheson's transfer to USC.
USC's basketball program bolstered its frontcourt Monday when North Carolina transfer Alex Stepheson announced he was joining the Trojans. The 6-foot-9 power forward also considered UCLA and Arizona State.
"This has been a difficult decision-making process. His leader has changed three times," his mother, Diane Stepheson, said. "He would have done well at any of the schools that were interested in him, but this is his choice. USC is close to home, it has great academics and a good basketball program."
A reserve forward at North Carolina the past two years, Stepheson decided to transfer after the season to be closer to his ailing father, who is coping with undisclosed health issues. Diane Stepheson said her son would try to obtain a waiver from the NCAA to eliminate the one-year penalty transfers typically face.
If Stepheson were to gain immediate eligibility, it would help USC recover from the loss of 6-foot-8 Davon Jefferson, who turned pro after his freshman season but was not selected in the NBA draft. A scholarship for Stepheson became free at USC when guard Angelo Johnson left the program earlier this month.
I am not sure how Tim Floyd sealed the deal here but this is a good get. It helps us where we need help the most. It's not really surprising that he changed his mind a few times. Obviously Tim Floyd knew a little more than he was letting on in regards to Angelo Johnson's issues before transferring last week.
I think its a good fit though I doubt he will get that waiver so it probably won't help us this year.
Either way, Welcome to SC Alex!!