 "Photo: Robert Linggi - State Hornet")
 "Photo: Robert Linggi - State Hornet")
Despite being on his own since he was 17, Sultan Toles-Bey’s humble yet courageous personality has been recognized on the court since he joined Sacramento State.
Sultan Toles-Bey, a junior guard who transferred from Fresno City College, was born in Los Angeles and spent his childhood split between New Orleans and South Central Los Angeles.
He started playing several sports at a young age, but from the start, he knew he wanted to play basketball.
“Around the age of 3, I picked up a basketball and just fell in love with it,” Sultan Toles-Bey said. “I played football and other sports, but basketball stuck. It just came natural to me.”
Sultan Toles-Bey has no athletes in his family, causing his inspiration to come from himself. His father supported him 100 percent of the way.
“This is the first time my dad’s ever missed any of my games, since I’m so far away,” he said. “But he’s always been there every game. He’s been there every step of the way.”
Sultan Toles-Bey said even though his family is far away, it doesn’t affect his game.
“I’m cool with it cause I’ve been on my own since I was 17, when I moved out to go to a JC. So I’m used to it now,” he said.
Sultan Toles-Bey attended King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science in LA.
Growing up in the rough streets of LA, Sultan Toles-Bey said the choice to isolate himself from trouble was the best decision for him and his future.
“It’s not like the movies and how everyone makes it out to be,” Sultan Toles-Bey said. “It’s a pretty rough neighborhood where I stay at, but if you just separate yourself from it, you’re fine. If you just keep yourself away from the gangbanging and all the dumb stuff, you’re good. That’s why I just focus on basketball, my grades and handling my business.”
He has accomplished a lot in his basketball career and he gives a lot of credit to his dad.
“My dad is a single parent, so he’s been there for me my entire life,” he said. “He’s taught me everything from work ethic to respect, and just being a man period. I’ve spent every second of my life with my dad.”
Sultan’s father, John Toles-Bey, is an actor who, despite his busy work schedule, still has been able to play the most important role of all – a father to Sultan.
“He’s had a lot happen in his life and he’s handled it very well,” John Toles-Bey said. “After it’s all said and done, if I could have done anything I want to have taught him how to be a good human being. I want him to treat people like he wants to be treated.”
Sultan Toles-Bey reflected on the times he joined his father on the job.
“When he goes for auditions, I’m with him. When’s he’s on the set making movies I’m with him,” he said. “He’d be running from the set to my games trying to get me there on time, to practice and to school. He’s always been there and always went out of his way to give me anything I needed.”
Sultan Toles-Bey’s achievements and awards as a college basketball player have also helped motivate him to be a better athlete.
“I appreciate being recognized cause I try to play my best every time I’m on the court,” he said. “I just want to win. This year and next year I want to help turn this program around.”
Junior guard/forward Walter Jackson, who is redshirting this season, said he has learned a lot just from watching Sultan Toles-Bey play during practice and in the games.
“The game just comes to him,” Jackson said. “Some people will be on the court and just be so scared. He’s taught me how to be calm on the court.”
Freshman guard Brad Johnstin said when it comes to team players, Sultan Toles-Bey is one of a kind.
“Sultan is one of the people you want to have on your team when going into a game and feeling confident with who’s around you,” he said.
“There’s not another point guard I would ever want to play with just because I know no one is going to play harder than him and he’s going to try and do everything he can to win.”
Sultan Toles-Bey is proud of himself for the progress he has made since joining Sac State, but he admits the hardest thing to overcome was adjusting to a new schedule.
“It just requires a lot more of you,” he said. “This past semester was kind of rough, I passed all my classes and it took a little getting used to but I was able to do it. Being on the road is tough too, it weighs you down a little bit but I enjoy it.”
Head coach Brian Katz said he feels Sultan Toles-Bey’s focus on the game and hard work has helped him to be successful this season.
Since Sultan Toles-Bey has been able to adjust to the faster pace and busy schedule, he has also become more prepared for his future.
“Everything gets you mentally tough,” Sultan Toles-Bey said. “To fly or be on a three-hour bus ride, then wake up early or sometimes playing back-to-back. In the future, at a regular job, I’ll be ready cause it won’t be nothing compared to what we do now.”
Like many athletes, Sultan Toles-Bey would like to continue his career in basketball after college, but said he plans to walk the stage before running on the court.
“If it happens, it happens. I’ll jump on it if I get the offer,” he said. “But for now, I just plan on graduating and getting my degree and taking it from there. I want to play basketball because it’s my dream, but if you get hurt anything could happen. It’s always good to have a backup plan.”
This season is Sultan Toles-Bey’s first playing Division I basketball. He has noticed the dedication and preparation it takes to be a team player.
“Basketball demands a lot out of you. At this level, the competition is better,” he said. “The next team your playing is always ready for you and know what you’re about to do. So every night you’re in for a fight. You have to always be on top of your game and ready to play.”
Sultan Toles-Bey has learned a lot about growing up in the game of basketball but has learned lifelong lessons as well.
“Anything you want in life you have to work for. Basketball has gotten me ready for life and every aspect of it,” he said. “In the workplace you have to respect your boss. In basketball, you have to respect your coach. You have to take orders. You have to be responsible. You have to be a leader. It teaches you how to be a man. If you can’t cut it on the basketball team, then I don’t think you’re going to cut it in life.”
Along with the progress Sultan Toles-Bey has already made this season, Katz said he believes his knowledge of the game and dedication will keep him successful during his basketball career at Sac State.
“I like his feel for the game and his ability to make the game easy. I think he’s very competitive,” Katz said.
John Toles-Bey spoke highly of his son.
“I’m proud of him. I’m proud of who he is and I know he has aspirations to go further with his athletic career,” he said. “He’s special, that’s my hero.”
Ashley O'Con can be reached at aocon@statehornet.com
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