Amir ‘Aura’ Khan: More Than Just a Boombox
He was an enigma last year. Now, Amir “Aura” Khan is back, and so is his iconic boombox. McNeese State (28-5) is making waves in the 2026 NCAA Men’s March Madness tournament, and Khan is leading the charge, rapping the soundtrack and energizing the Cowboys with his signature, bedazzled boombox.
From Enigma to Icon
In 2025, Khan burst onto the scene, leading the team out while performing rap songs – from NBA YoungBoy to King Von and Lud Foe – with a cool confidence that resonated with fans. Draped in jewelry reportedly acquired through over $100,000 in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the Pakistani American manager became as popular as the players themselves.
“I couldn’t have done any of that without them last year,” Khan shared with reporters before McNeese’s first-round matchup with Vanderbilt. “The players promoted everything, they were so hyped going into the walkout, and they wanted the most for me. That means a lot. Same thing with this group of guys. They want the moment to be special for me as well.”
A Selfless Spirit
Khan’s humility hasn’t gone unnoticed. Senior guard DJ Richards Jr. observes, “It’s funny because I’ll be seeing things on Twitter, and they kind of portray him as someone that he’s not. If you all could ask Amir right now, I’m pretty sure he would be so cool without all the attention, all the things. Everything came to him naturally.”
His energy became synonymous with McNeese’s stunning 69-67 upset of No. 5 seed Clemson in the first round, and even their subsequent loss to No. 4-seeded Purdue. A brief detour to NC State followed Coach Will Wade, but academic complications led Khan back to Lake Charles.
Home is Where the Heart Is
“I decided to come back just because it’s home,” Khan explained. “I live in Lake Charles, five minutes away from campus. The community and people of Lake Charles are amazing. Every game day, they pack our arena out, and it’s a special feeling. So why not continue to do it until I graduate?”
Since then, Khan’s celebrity has soared, securing over 20 NIL deals and further embracing his vibrant persona. He’s become a symbol of McNeese’s spirit and a fan favorite.
Fueling Another Run
Last week, McNeese clinched another trip to the NCAA Tournament by defeating Stephen F. Austin 76-59 to win the Southland Conference tournament for the third consecutive season. Seeded 12th again, they face fifth-seeded Vanderbilt, and Khan will be there, boombox in hand, ready to soundtrack another potential upset run. Leading the charge on the court is redshirt freshman Larry Johnson, averaging 17.5 points – the most by a McNeese player since 2020.
Sophomore forward Jacolb Fredson-Cole sums it up perfectly: “He’s a great person, makes sure we’ve got everything we need. We love Amir. Every time he does his thing, you can feel the energy being raised.” They believe Khan’s aura, his boombox, and his positivity can power them to further success.
(Joe Rexrode contributed to this report.)
Learn more about March Madness: NCAA March Madness Official Site
