March Madness has always been a tournament of surprises, with underdog teams making history and unknown figures becoming overnight sensations. This year, McNeese basketball has captured the nation’s attention—not just for their unexpected tournament run, but also because of a student manager who has become a viral phenomenon. Amir “Aura” Khan, the student manager for McNeese, has turned into one of the most talked-about figures in college basketball, proving that the magic of March extends beyond the players on the court.
Who is Amir Khan?
Amir Khan is a 22-year-old student manager for the McNeese Cowboys basketball team. Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Khan has been an integral part of the program since the 2022-23 season. His role may be behind the scenes, but his impact has been front and center.
Khan first gained national attention on February 22 when a video of him rapping “In & Out” by Lud Foe word-for-word while leading the team out of the locker room went viral. Sporting a massive boombox around his neck, his enthusiasm and charisma instantly resonated with fans and players alike. That energy carried into the NCAA Tournament, where he was seen hyping up McNeese before their first-round upset victory over No. 5 seed Clemson.
The Rise of a Viral Sensation
As McNeese made history with their first-ever NCAA Tournament win, Khan’s presence became a rallying point for the team and its supporters. CBS Sports captured footage of him leading the Cowboys onto the court before their monumental victory, and his popularity skyrocketed.
Khan’s influence extends beyond just motivational antics. His rise to fame has earned him Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals with brands such as Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick, and Insomnia Cookies.
“I enjoy the free cookies,” Khan joked in a recent interview when asked about his NIL partnerships.
Adding to his legend, McNeese’s cheerleaders were spotted wearing socks featuring his name, while he took selfies with fans in the stands after the historic win. The excitement surrounding him led to Topps signing him to an NIL deal, resulting in the release of his very own trading card—an achievement few student managers can claim.
The “Amir Khan Effect” on McNeese Basketball
McNeese’s rise over the last two seasons has been remarkable, and Khan has been a part of that journey. The Cowboys have won 59 games since he joined as student manager, a stark contrast to the 22 wins the team had in the two seasons prior to his arrival.
Head coach Will Wade acknowledged Khan’s contributions, emphasizing how vital he is to the program’s day-to-day operations.
“He’s a servant leader,” Wade said. “We’re McNeese. We have no scholarship money for managers—it’s all volunteer work. When we arrived, we had no managers at all. Amir stepped up and has been doing everything, including handling the hardest job—keeping the practice clock running and tracking scores.”
Despite his newfound fame, Khan remains grounded and dedicated to his responsibilities. “All this attention is great, but I’m still locked in on my duties,” he said.
What’s in a Name? “Aura” and the Personality Behind the Nickname
Khan’s nickname, “Aura,” stems from his undeniable presence and signature style. Whether it’s his flashy jewelry or his ability to hype up the team, “Aura” represents the confidence and energy he brings to every moment.
Beyond that, Khan has also humorously compared himself to Basketball Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain.
“If there were manager stats for rebounding and wiping up wet spots on the court, I’d put up Wilt Chamberlain numbers,” he joked in a segment with March Madness.
Impact on College Basketball and Social Media
Khan’s story is a testament to the growing influence of social media in college sports. His viral moments have not only elevated McNeese’s visibility but have also reshaped the perception of student managers. Often overlooked, managers are crucial to the success of a team, handling logistics, practices, and behind-the-scenes coordination. Khan’s rise to fame shines a light on these unsung heroes and demonstrates that passion and dedication can lead to unexpected opportunities.
His online presence has also contributed to increased engagement for McNeese basketball, with fans and media outlets actively following his journey. His ability to connect with audiences through humor, authenticity, and energy makes him a modern icon in the world of college sports.
What’s Next for Khan and McNeese?
As McNeese continues its tournament journey, Khan’s presence remains a driving force behind the team’s momentum. With his blend of enthusiasm, humor, and leadership, he has redefined what it means to be a student manager in college basketball.
Beyond the NCAA Tournament, Khan’s future looks bright. His NIL deals and growing social media following suggest that opportunities in sports media, entertainment, or even coaching could be on the horizon.
Regardless of how far the Cowboys go in the tournament, one thing is certain: Amir “Aura” Khan has already cemented his place as a March Madness legend. His story is a reminder that passion, dedication, and a little bit of swagger can make all the difference, both on and off the court.
