There’s a reason it’s called March Madness. Whether fans are cheering for their Quad City area high school basketball teams’ making state, or the collegiate faithful waiting to hear who’ll play in the Big Dance on the “Road to the Final Four,” the post-season is heating up. It’s anyone’s game.
United Township High School (UT), East Moline’s, power forward, Octavius “Big O” Hickman, 16, has learned how to both win and lose and still dream anyway.
And while UT’s late-season loss to crosstown rival Moline means they will sit out the 2025 state basketball tournament, Octavius will tell you any dream comes with a full dose of fortitude, patience, and a persistent optimism for 2026.
When life gives you a setback, it’s an opportunity to grow in strength and maturity.
“There was a time when I wasn’t sure I’d be able to ever be able to play at the level our UT Panthers reached this past season, and we’ll be back next season and ready as seniors,” reflects Hickman.
Hickman’s mother, Sonia Herrera, says Octavius won’t give up because he’s held a ball in his hand since preschool. “He’s always played well in sports. He started basketball at age four and competed in both football and baseball through his first year in high school.”
However, a painful knee injury during freshman football season threatened his future as an elite athlete.
A Knee Injury Threatened His Athletic Career
“My freshman year, I hit my knees a couple of times on the football field. My knees kept swelling,” he recalls.
“I took time off from football, but I had also made the basketball team my freshman year. On our preview day, I hit my knee again. It swelled big, and the swelling and fluid wouldn’t go away.”
UT Team Physician and ORA Sports Medicine surgeon, Dr. Waqas Hussain, says the injury ended his season. “He had a traumatic injury to the cartilage or protective layer that covers the bone. During an arthroscopic procedure, I cleaned out the broken cartilage and performed a micro fracture, which is a procedure where small holes are created in the bone which in turn fill with stem cells in the hope of creating a new cartilage cap.”
Following surgery, Octavius says he had to make some decisions about which sports he could play. “I chose to end football and focus on basketball.”
“While he was in rehab, he sat on the sidelines, he never missed a game, and it took a lot for him to be patient with his recovery,” recalls Sonia. “He just couldn’t wait to play, but I was concerned he would reinjure and hurt his chances of playing later.”
“While he was in rehab, he sat on the sidelines, he never missed a game, and it took a lot for him to be patient with his recovery,” recalls Sonia. “He just couldn’t wait to play, but I was concerned he would reinjure and hurt his chances of playing later.”
Octavius is Feeling Stronger than Ever
Dr. Hussain echoes her sentiments. “Young athletes are so motivated that they think they’re indestructible. I tell them, ‘Amateur and pro players are all different, but inside we look the same: Our ligaments and joints behave similarly to the NFL athlete, and their injuries take time, even months, to heal.’
“I recognize there’s an investment in Octavius’ community. He wanted to get back so fast but as I tell all athletes and parents, ‘effort and patience will reap the rewards.’”
Octavius understood. “Dr. Hussain didn’t sugar-coat my journey. He told me it was going to be hard. I had surgery in January of my freshman year. I rehabbed all winter and spring. I am used to being strong, but I couldn’t do the same things as I was used to. I had to dig deep for sure to get strong, and my goal was to be ready for summer leagues.”
Dr. Hussain, ORA Orthopedics
“During my physical therapy, my PT gave me stretches and weightlifting. I thought I could just put my shoes on and play. But I learned I must take care of my body better. That paid off…it still pays off every game.
“My team is like family. I have been playing with some of them since grade school. They are my best friends. When I was injured, they kept rooting for me and encouraged me to keep fighting.”
His sophomore summer, Octavius recovered and earned a spot on the varsity squad. In just over a year after surgery, as a junior, he continued to play varsity and has started as a power forward. “I feel stronger and have had no pain or issues. I am better than before.
“What time off taught me is that I need to be patient.”
Dr. Hussain nods in agreement. “If we can educate our patients to listen to their bodies, what a body needs to move forward in a healthy way, then they can compete stronger than before. Octavius is both an example of success and he’s also a great kid.”
“I realize every time I get play it’s a privilege. Just being able to play hard and play with team is the best,” adds Octavius.
Next year, look for the “Big O” to go for a run at a state title “W” in 2026.
