In 106 career games at Seattle University, Ervin scored 1,304 career points, averaging 12.3 points per game. He dished out at least 100 assists in each season, including a career-high 179 assists (6.4 apg) during the 1977-78 season, the third-highest single-season total in program history. Ervin finished with 534 career assists, third on the all-time top ten list and the most recorded assists by any Seattle U player during the original Division I era (1950-80).

Ervin came to Seattle U from Cleveland High School, where he was part of one of the greatest high school teams in city history, leading the varsity squad to the AA state title in 1975 and the AAA state championship in 1976. During the 1976 state tournament, Ervin set records by dishing out 35 assists in four games, including 16 assists in a single game, and scored the winning basket in Cleveland's 42-41 victory over Lincoln High School from Tacoma in the title game, earning tournament MVP honors.

The most recent player from Seattle University to be drafted into the NBA, Ervin was taken in the seventh round of the 1980 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics. He maintained his connection with the school after his playing days concluded, graduating with a bachelor's degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and serving as an assistant coach during the 1990s. Ervin was inducted into the Seattle University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

"We are saddened to learn of Carl's passing. He was a great representative of Seattle University basketball throughout the community, and his support was important to us as we made the move back to Division I. Carl will be missed by many people associated with the University," Bill Hogan, Director of Athletics, said.

Ervin is survived by his wife Penny and his daughter Karlee. A public viewing of Ervin will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bonney-Watson Funeral Home on Capitol Hill, 1732 Broadway. A memorial service will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave., Seattle, at 11 a.m. on July 9.