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Alex Stepheson, a rising junior power forward for UNC, will transfer to be closer to his family in California due to several health concerns, according to a statement released Friday by the university.

"My family is dealing with some health challenges at this time and as a result I have made the decision to transfer to be closer to home," Stepheson said in the statement. "The two years I have spent as a Tar Heel have been great. My teammates, Coach Williams and his staff and the whole Carolina family are the best. I wish to thank the UNC fans for all their support and encouragement. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to be a Tar Heel and I wish the program the best in the future."

The statement doesn't specify the nature of the health problems.

The Los Angeles native had 237 points, 252 rebounds and 45 blocked shots in 75 games as a Tar Heel. He made 26 of his last 35 shots from the floor.

"I am extremely, extremely disappointed but I feel so great about Alex that I understand his decision to transfer," head coach Roy Williams said in the statement.

"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."

Read more in Saturday's News & Record.