From Boombox Beats to Bracket Busters: McNees State’s Improper March Madness Stars
With Will Wade on his way to NC State and student manager Amir Khan who goes viral, the cowboys write one of the most memorable stories of the NCAA tournament.
While the McNees State Cowboys hit their ticket for the second round of the NCAA tournament with an exciting 69-67 upset about Clemson, head coach Will Wade was at the center of attention -for more than just the victory. According to reports, Wade has agreed to become the next head coach of NC State once McNees Tournooivun is closed.
McNees coach Will Wade spoke about the NC State -Baan with @Thefieldof68 After the upset of his team victory over Clemson today.
“Half of the children I have recruited, I told them:” Hey, the goal is to go Power 5 after this year and some of you can go with me. We all know what’s going on. ” pic.twitter.com/njddmjrxwe
– Noah Fleischman (@Fleischman_Noah) March 20, 2025
It is a movement that is no secret within the program. Wade reportedly tackled the situation directly with its players, so that transparency and focus remain intact. His leadership has brought McNees back to national relevance after back-to-back Southland Conference titles and now a historical tournament repair.
“We talked about it,” Wade told media members. “They know where I stand and I know where they stand. We are together in this until the last buzzer.”
The manager with the microphone
Meet Amir “Aura” Khan, the Boombox-bearing hype-man who takes over March Madness
While Wade has paid attention to the sidelines, it is student manager Amir Khan who has taken the spotlight off the field – literally. Ken has become known as ‘Aura’, Khan has become a viral sensation for leading the cowboys from the tunnel with a tree box in hand, going to Lud Foe’s ‘In & Out’ and reinforce both teammates and fans.
What started as a one-off ritual for a match against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi has grown into a determining picture of McNees March Madness moment. His infectious personality has delivered him zero deals with Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick and Insomnia Cookies – which makes him the first student manager in the NCAA history to cash in his image.
“It’s crazy,” said Khan de AP after the victory. “I never thought this would happen. Seeing the players wearing socks with my face on it? That means everything for me.”
His deal is even based on performance: for every NCAA-Toernooimame McNees State wins, his salary goes up 📈
This man literally won bonuses such as a coach or player. Iconic. 😮waypic.twitter.com/wereretld5q
– Kicks (@kicks) March 17, 2025
Amir Khan Nil ideal with insomnia cookies. This is what zero dreams of are made 🫶 pic.twitter.com/yd1ttkgtdl
– Ryan Hammer🔨 (@Ryanhammer09) March 11, 2025
From volunteer to viral
Khan’s turnout from 5:30 am Practices to Nul Endorsements
Khan, a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, grew up during his LSU days a fan of Wade. When Wade was hired in Mcneese, Khan applied to become a manager – an unpaid job that demanded early mornings, long hours and ruthless dedication. Now he is on national television, his face on clothing and his voice blooming through Arena tunnels.
The cheerleaders and players of the cowboys wore equipment decorated with his image during their upset by Clemson. While the team is preparing for his second round showdown with fourth placed Purdue, the status of Khan’s celebrity only continues to rise.
Stay loose, play tight
Wade’s Coaching and Khan’s “Aura” that feeds the mars of the cowboys
The stunning victory of Mcneese state was not only about talent – it was about togetherness. Wade’s direct approach, the magnetic energy of Khan and a close team that believes in each other, have made the Cowboys Must-Watch material. Even in the light of coaching changes and national attention, the focus has remained on the ground.
Guard JD Richards Jr. It summarized best:
“The only thing we do is place the ball in the hoop. The managers – boys like Amir – they do everything else. I think it’s great that he gets this moment.”
Next for McSesse: Purdue
As the madness continues, the McNees story also increases
McNees now faces a new challenge: fourth placed purdue on Saturday (12:10 pm et, CBS). A sweet 16 berth is at stake. This also applies to a different performance bonus for Khan, whose NIL deal reportedly increases with every tournament win.
In a tournament where every dribble matters and every storyline fascinates, McNees State has found its identity – partly grit, partly Groove and all the heart.
