Sophomore forward Alex Stephenson is leaving North Carolina and will transfer to a school that is closer to his family in Los Angeles.

Stephenson said in a statement posted Friday on UNC's Web site the decision was motivated by health concerns.

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, he said. The two years I have spent as a Tar Heel have been great. My teammates, Coach (Roy) 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.

In two seasons in Chapel Hill, N.C., the 6-foot-9 inch Stephenson played in 75 games with 237 points, 252 rebounds and 45 blocked shots.

I am extremely, extremely disappointed but I feel so great about Alex that I understand his decision to transfer, Williams said.

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