Former Cincinnati Bearcats Center Steve Toyloy, 37, Is Survived By Parents Chester And Karlene, And A Sister

The Toyloy family has chosen to grieve privately, and no public statements have been made.

Steve Toyloy, a former center for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team, passed away at the age of 37.

The university announced his death on social media, though the cause has not been disclosed.

Toyloy is survived by his parents, Chester and Karlene, and a sister.

Cincinnati basketball mourns the loss of Steve Toyloy, a Bearcat from 2008 to 2010.

Our thoughts are with Steve's family, teammates, and all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/ohqkogLXQI

— Cincinnati Men’s Hoops (@GoBearcatsMBB) February 23, 2025

Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, Toyloy developed a passion for basketball early on.

His parents, Chester and Karlene, supported his athletic pursuits, fostering an environment that emphasized both sports and academics.

The family has chosen to grieve in private, and no public statements have been made.

Toyloy Had An Illustrious Collegiate Basketball Career At Miami Dade And Cincinnati

Toyloy began his collegiate basketball journey at Miami Dade College, where he developed his skills as a formidable center.

In 2008, he transferred to the University of Cincinnati, playing for the Bearcats under head coach Mick Cronin from 2008 to 2010.

During his tenure, Toyloy appeared in 67 games, starting 29 of them.

He averaged 3.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the team’s defense and rebounding efforts.

In his senior year, he was fifth on the team in minutes played, averaging 15.7 minutes per game.

Despite challenges at the free-throw line, with a shooting percentage of just over 50%, Toyloy’s physical presence and defensive prowess were invaluable assets to the Bearcats.

He Played Professionally In Turkey, Brazil, Uruguay, And Malaysia

After graduating, Toyloy pursued professional basketball opportunities overseas. He signed with Istanbulspor in Turkey and later played in Brazil and Malaysia.

In 2019, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Malaysian Professional League (MPL) Finals, leading Farmcochem to consecutive championships.

As recently as 2023, Toyloy returned to the MPL, signing with UCSI Rising Star, aiming to guide the team toward a championship run.

Steve Will Be Deeply Missed By Friends, Family, And The Basketball Community

The announcement of Toyloy’s passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from the basketball community.

The University of Cincinnati’s basketball program shared on social media:

RIP Steve Toyloy ❤️ 😔 pic.twitter.com/bnseKQNKiR

— Alex Meacham (@Alex_Meacham) February 23, 2025

Former teammates and alumni also expressed their grief. Cincinnati alum Alex Meacham posted on social media,

Another alum, Corie Blount, urged the community to honor Toyloy’s memory:

Steve Toyloy’s journey from collegiate basketball to an international professional career showcases his dedication to the sport.

His contributions on the court, both in the United States and abroad, left a lasting impact on teammates, coaches, and fans.

As the basketball community reflects on his life and career, Toyloy is remembered for his commitment, sportsmanship, and the indelible mark he left on the game.

Additional Information

• Before his college career, Steve Toyloy was a standout player at Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was named to the All-County team and helped lead his team to the state playoffs.
• Toyloy played for Club Urunday in Uruguay during the 2011 Metro League season and the 2016/17 Uruguayan League season.
• During his time in Malaysia, he participated in basketball clinics for underprivileged youth, helping to promote the sport and inspire the next generation of players.