In Providence, Rhode Island, the allure of March Madness continues with the remarkable tale of Amir Khan, the McNeese manager who has also taken social media by storm. Khan’s unexpected rise to fame was evident during the Cowboys’ second-round matchup against Purdue on Saturday, where he sat just behind the bench engaging in conversation with renowned filmmaker Spike Lee.
In an amusing show of support, several players on the team sported T-shirts emblazoned with Khan’s name and image. This trend extended to the cheerleading squad, who donned the same shirts, complemented by the distinctive socks that first appeared on Thursday night. This was when 12th-seeded McNeese shocked the basketball world by toppling Clemson, securing the university’s inaugural NCAA Tournament win.
What initially caused a stir was Khan and his characteristic boombox, which captured attention as the team rolled into the tournament. In an extraordinary twist, Khan has become the first known basketball manager to land a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal, further cementing his position as the unlikely yet charismatic promoter of McNeese’s Cinderella run from Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Reflecting on his newfound status, Khan expressed his disbelief, “It’s crazy. Because I never would have imagined this would have ever happened,” he shared on Thursday. “I appreciate all the love and support. And seeing them wearing it means a lot to me.” His journey from basketball manager to viral sensation showcases the surprising ways that March Madness can spotlight individuals both on and off the court.