RIVERDALE, NY — Former Manhattan guard Samson Usilo '19 '25 is a testament to overcoming adversity and operating with unwavering faith. On May 16, Usilo walked at the Graduate Commencement ceremony having earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. By his side were his three-month old daughter, Hayden, and wife, Erica, who are equal inspirations for everything he does.
"It's been pretty busy," said a jovial Usilo, finally able to catch his breath.
Erica gave birth to Hayden on March 1. Leading up to Hayden's arrival, the former Jasper basketball player was laser focused on studying and preparing for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Passing the PE was the next logical step for Usilo, who works as a structural engineer full-time.
During those long hours studying, Usilo kept coming back to the same source of inspiration.
"When I was studying, I kept thinking 'do it for my daughter' even when she wasn't here yet," Usilo said. "It really pushed me to want to be better."
Samson Usilo pictured with his daughter, Hayden, at the Graduate Commencement ceremony on May 16. (Courtesy Samson Usilo)
That persistence paid off — Usilo passed his PE ahead of the joyous arrival of Hayden, which set the stage for the proud moment Usilo, a first-generation college graduate, earned his Master's degree surrounded by his family.
However, the success story of Samson Usilo was never a guarantee. The Nigerian immigrant often faced obstacles and challenges that threatened to derail his goals. Having been a highly-touted recruit out of Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn and a participant in the Regional Game at the prestigious Jordan Brand Classic, Usilo came to Manhattan with the self-assurance and quiet confidence that he was going to achieve stardom.
Then, major injuries struck, which forced Usilo to change his perspective.
An ACL tear sidelined him for his freshman season, followed by other major injuries to his patellar tendon and quadriceps that required season-ending surgeries.
"When you go through those setbacks it's all about the mindset," Usilo said. "The mindset is what helped me get through that whole downturn. Being surrounded by a lot of great people, professors, students, my teammates, definitely helped me in a lot of ways."
His freshman season of 2014-15 coincided with the Jaspers' second straight MAAC Championship and NCAA berth. Although he didn't play, Usilo recalled the surreal feeling of being part of that journey and watching his teammates compete at the highest level of the sport.
"The only way I could help them was by being a leader and just talking and being encouraging," Usilo said of his off-the-court role. "I learned a lot of things during that time. I got to see what the coaches are seeing that we as players tend not to see."
Through the ups and downs, it was the plane ride to Dayton, Ohio for the NCAA Tournament play-in game with Hampton where time seemed to freeze for Usilo. Sitting in front of him on the commercial flight was Erica Ramos, a Manhattan cheerleader whom Usilo had never met before.
Ramos had fallen asleep on the flight, but the two started chatting soon after and became friends. Six years later, Usilo married Ramos.
"She was always supportive through my ups and downs," Usilo said. "I knew early on she was the one."
Usilo worked his way back from the major surgeries to serve as a contributor on the 2018-19 team. Despite it being only his second healthy season, Usilo played 24 games and made four starts, serving as a leader to the young core of Jaspers featuring Warren Williams, Samir Stewart and Elijah Buchanan. The way it ended, although imperfect, gave Usilo peace of mind.
"There was no greater feeling," Usilo said of his comeback. "It wasn't at the pace or level I wanted to play at but that wasn't my thought process…my thought process was 'alright I did what I wanted to do.' My career could have been defied by not getting back on the court."
Usilo also overcame the challenges of balancing the academic and athletic rigors of being a student-athlete. He never quit on his goal of earning a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, while acknowledging he could've easily chosen a lighter academic track.
"I would stay in the library until 2 or 3 a.m. and do it all over again the next day," said Usilo, whose schedule was nonstop with classes, practices and game prep.
It wasn't until leaving Nigeria for the United States at 15 when Usilo discovered his passions for both basketball and civil engineering. Initially, he was interested in the electrical engineering field, and admits that soccer was his first sporting love while growing up in the city of Lagos.
Usilo dunked the ball the first time he played basketball, catching the attention of his fellow playground players in Brooklyn. The unassuming 15 year-old was only 5-foot-9 at best and the epitome of a raw talent.
"Someone looked at me and said, 'Wow you could be really good,'" Usilo said. "Ever since then I never stopped."
Usilo keeps basketball in his purview with the help of a self-designed court in his backyard, which serves as a family staple during the summer months. He has also teamed up with his co-workers in recreational tournaments.
In addition to his completed graduate coursework, Usilo has stayed involved in the university community by working with the Manhattan Mentor Program, which allows him to pass on his knowledge to current engineering students. Usilo further shares his insights with incoming freshmen at the Summer Engineering Awareness Program founded over four decades ago by Walter P. Saukin, Ph.D. , associate professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and die-hard Jasper Basketball fan.
"He's one of the most important people on my journey," Usilo said of his mentor, Saukin, whom he will reunite with this summer for camp. "His encouragement always helped me and we have been able to build a great relationship over the years."
Samson Usilo pictured with Walter P. Saukin, Ph.D. , associate professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering. (Courtesy Samson Usilo)
Saukin's fatherly wisdom and approach to life was always a welcomed affirmation for Usilo and his Jasper teammates.
"Whenever I need someone to talk to, he's always there," Usilo added.
Usilo and his family now reside in Bergen County, New Jersey, but a portion of his heart will always belong on the hill in Riverdale.
"It's great having a Jasper as a wife, a Jasper degree and a Jasper as a daughter now… Without the support and encouragement of all Jaspers, I wouldn't be here. They gave me everything I have today."
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