Los Angeles, CA -- (Sports Network) - The NCAA has denied forward Alex Stepheson's waiver petition for immediate eligibility to compete for Southern California.

Stepheson, who transferred this fall from North Carolina, will not be eligible for competition for the Trojans this season. Stepheson played the last two seasons at UNC, where he appeared in 75 games. Last season, he averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds while leading the Tar Heels in rebounds six times.

"Alex would have really helped our team this season and would have had a big impact in the Pac-10, but we will have to move beyond this now," said USC coach Tim Floyd. "He practiced hard and showed us the kind of player he is. I'm confident he'll work even harder now and prepare himself for next season. Even though it appears he won't be suiting up for us this year, he'll be an integral part of our Trojan basketball team."