April 22, 2011

Ari Stewart, a 6-7 forward who played two seasons for Wake Forest and is a former top 50 recruit, is transferring to USC, it was announced today (April 22) by men's basketball head coach Kevin O'Neill. Stewart will have to sit out next season due to transfer rules, but will have two seasons of eligibility remaining beginning with the 2012-13 season.

"We are really excited about Ari joining us," said O'Neill. "He is going to have a great year of development during his redshirt year and is going to be a great contributor to our success once he becomes available. He has a tremendous upside as a player and I'm convinced he can raise us to another level."

Stewart average 8.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in 32 games for Wake Forest last season. Stewart started 16 games for the Deamon Deacons and averaged 10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in those games. He also scored in double figures 14 times with a career-high 18 points vs. VCU on Nov. 16, 2010.

In his first season at Wake Forest, Stewart averaged 7.3 points and 3.2 rebounds and led all ACC freshmen in three-point shooting with 43 made and a 37.1 shooting percentage. Stewart made 72 three-point baskets in his two seasons at Wake Forest. He was also named the ACC Rookie of the Week for the Week of Dec. 14, 2009.

Stewart was ranked the No. 8 small forward and the No. 43 overall prospect in the class of 2009 by Scout.com out of Wheeler High in Marietta, Ga. He was also ranked the No. 10 small forward and the No. 52 overall prospect by ESPN in that class. Stewart was a three-time All-State honoree and earned first-team accolades as both a junior and senior. He led Wheeler to the 2009 Georgia 5A state title, scoring 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the championship game. He also helped his team reach the title game in 2008.