The March Madness spotlight can bring significant changes, not just for players.
The men’s basketball team from McNeese State has emerged as the latest Cinderella story in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The 12th-seeded Cowboys recorded their first-ever NCAA victory by defeating the No. 5 seed Clemson, 69-67, in the opening round of the West Region.
Amir Khan, the team’s student manager, has gained attention for his unique pregame tunnel walk, where he energizes the players while carrying a boombox blasting rap music.
Amir Khan’s NIL Opportunities
Khan, affectionately called “Aura” by the team, has secured Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements with brands such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Insomnia Cookies, and TickPick.
He has made history as the first student manager to sign an NIL deal with Buffalo Wild Wings, which even gifted him a boombox used during the team’s festive walkout before their victory over Clemson, with “No Switch” by NBA YoungBoy playing.
The McNeese cheerleaders have caught the public’s eye on social media for wearing socks adorned with Khan’s face during their initial match in Providence, Rhode Island. The team’s guard, Sincere Parker, also sported the same socks during the game.
A special merchandise line, including the popular socks and a retro T-shirt focused on Khan, is available for purchase on Rock’em Socks. “This is surreal; I never expected this,” Khan remarked, grateful for the support his team has shown him.
Khan: The ‘Aura’ of McNeese
Khan has become a cherished figure at McNeese, known for his impactful role within the team. His pregame actions have become essential for preparing the Cowboys mentally.
“If there were stats for managers in rebounding or cleaning spills, I’d be putting up Wilt Chamberlain numbers,” Khan humorously stated in a March Madness promo for CBS. This quote appears on a T-shirt for sale linked to the McNeese basketball website.
Right before the entrance to the court, he lifts the speaker and leads the team out, describing it as a unique feeling that radiates an aura to others. McNeese head coach Will Wade praised Khan as “the man, the myth, the legend,” emphasizing how his pre-game enthusiasm energizes the players.
The Beginning of Khan’s Journey
As a senior and Lake Charles, Louisiana native, Khan is in his second season managing the Cowboys. His rise to fame began when the school’s social media team filmed him carrying his boombox while guiding the team through the tunnel during a previous game.
This year, the Cowboys (27-6) claimed the Southland Conference title for the second consecutive year, earning a spot in the NCAA Men’s Tournament as a No. 12 seed. In their fourth overall appearance in the tournament, McNeese made history in 2025 with their first-ever win, an accomplishment Khan believes cannot be negated, regardless of how far they advance.
“It’s a significant moment because of last year’s experience. We were eager to avoid a repeat performance,” Khan reflected. “We made history; you can’t take that away from us.”
Last year, McNeese faced a crushing first-round elimination by Georgia. Their Cinderella journey continues on Saturday against No. 4 Purdue.
