Stepheson out for Wednesday's game

North Carolina sophomore Alex Stepheson has returned home to California due to a family illness and will miss the Tar Heels' game against Kent State on Wednesday night. Stepheson, a 6-foot-9 reserve forward from Los Angeles, is averaging 3.5 points and 4.8 rebounds for the top-ranked Tar Heels (13-0). "We are not certain when he will be able to return," coach Roy Williams said in a statement Wednesday. "Of course, at this time our thoughts and prayers are with Alex and his family. [link]