Men's college basketball team McNeese State has had much success during the 2024-25 season, and many are attributing this to student manager Amir 'Aura' Khan, who often is seen hyping up the team ahead of games with his un-matched swagger.
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Amir Khan on a mission #MarchMadness #McNeese pic.twitter.com/fDsqA57DUj
— Bay Fanatic⚔️ (@obsessedbayarea) March 20, 2025
The internet sensation is being rewarded for his contributions, as he has become the first student manager to get a NIL deal in college sports history.
McNeese State student manager is on a INSANE RUN
Amir Khan is the first-ever college student manager to ink a NIL deal 🤯 (via @reed_vial3) pic.twitter.com/eZWFjDv7lt
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 16, 2025
Notably, last weekend Khan inked a deal with companies such as Insomnia Cookies, Buffalo Wild Wings, and TickPick.
His deal is even performance-based: for every NCAA Tournament game McNeese State wins, his paycheck goes up 📈
This man literally has win bonuses like a coach or player. ICONIC. 😮💨pic.twitter.com/WerAETld5q
— Kicks (@kicks) March 17, 2025
In view of the team's success, McNeese State finished with a 27-6 record and came away with a Southland Conference tournament title.
This led to them clinching the No. 12 seed in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, as they took on the No. 5 Clemson Tigers in the First Round on Thursday afternoon.
Amir Khan leads the McNeese walk out vs. Clemson 🔥
🎥: @Cadenletsche1 pic.twitter.com/8l2B3GIZaW
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 20, 2025
Energized off of Khan's aura, the team came out of the gates fired up, going on a 19-2 run at one point midway through the first quarter.
SHU SLAM BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN!! #12 McNeese up 10
pic.twitter.com/vrFqVHogO0— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) March 20, 2025
With their dominant defensive performance, the Cowboys held Clemson to only 13 first half points, which was the fewest points by a Top-5 seed in a half since 1999 (Southwest Missouri State def No. 5 Wisconsin; 43-32).
Might as well hand Amir Khan the Most Outstanding Player Award for the 2025 Tournament
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 20, 2025
Despite Clemson rallying from behind late in the game, McNeese State held on to win 69-67, and will be the first major upset team to advance to the Round of 32.
How I’m feeling after taking McNeese in my bracket pic.twitter.com/6w2I9ZdVYF
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) March 20, 2025
Ultimately, Khan, who is the heart and soul of McNeese's locker room, deserves partial credit, for he may be one of the most influential managers in sports history.
McNeese cheerleaders are wearing Amir Khan branded socks 🧦
Aura. pic.twitter.com/k2ILxZ8ZjF
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 20, 2025
In his own words, Khan said, "If they kept manager stats for rebounding and wiping up wet spots on the court, I'd put up Wilt Chamberlain numbers."
Related: Former NC State March Madness Legend DJ Burns Signs Contract To Play In South Korea
