The boombox is back.
America’s most famous student manager, Amir “Aura” Khan, is returning for his second NCAA Tournament with 12th-seeded McNeese State, which opens Thursday against fifth-seeded Vanderbilt.
“(Teams) don’t wanna play us,” Khan told The Oklahoman. “I saw Vanderbilt’s reaction. I don’t think they were too excited to play us as a 12-seed. I think that’s something that’s gonna keep going forward.”
Khan, a senior from Lake Charles, La., went viral last year for his pregame routines and one could argue he became more famous than any McNeese State player.
He accompanies the players to the court with a boombox, rapping along while they make their trek through the bowels of the arena like wrestling star Goldberg.
Despite being a manager, he received a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Buffalo Wild Wings, which even created customized decals for his boombox.
He ultimately agreed to deals with more than 12 companies, per Front Office Sports.
The 12th-seeded Cowboys upset fifth-seeded Clemson in the first round last year before getting lassoed by fourth-seeded Purdue in the Round of 32.
While McNeese State players wear shirts with his photo, he credited the players for helping him earn his “Aura” nickname.
“(The aura) really just comes from all these players,” Khan said to The Oklahoman. “I’m just holding the speaker, walking out with them, and it comes from their excitement, their hype, and what they do on the court. If we weren’t three-peat Southland champions, I don’t think all of this would’ve happened.”
Khan, just like plenty of college basketball players, then entered the manager transfer portal to follow former McNeese State coach Will Wade to NC State.
He ultimately reversed course and opted to stay with McNeese State for his senior year.
McNeese State is a 12.5-point favorite underdog for Thursday’s game, and the winner will face the victor from the clash between No. 4 seed Nebraska and No. 13 seed Troy.
Khan’s not taking his multiple shining moments for granted.
“I don’t feel the need to change anything just because I walk out with the speaker,” he said. “I’ve been able to experience a lot, and I’m just blessed to be able to do this position. I appreciate all the love from everybody, it means a lot and we’ll keep it going as long as we can.”