The Boombox Returns to the Spotlight

Amir “Ola” Khan, who’s become quite the figure in the NCAA scene, is gearing up for his second tournament with No. 12 seed McNeese State as they clash with No. 5 seed Vanderbilt this Thursday.

“Teams don’t want to face us,” Khan mentioned. He noted how Vanderbilt seemed less than thrilled about going up against a 12 seed, suggesting that vibe might linger on. It’s fascinating how perceptions can play into the psyche of both teams.

Last year, Khan, a senior from Lake Charles, Louisiana, gained more attention than many players at McNeese State when his energetic pregame routine caught fire online. He walks into the arena with a boombox, rapping along the way—a bit reminiscent of wrestling star Goldberg. It’s certainly a show that energizes the atmosphere.

Though he’s technically a manager, Khan pulled off a rare feat: he secured a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Buffalo Wild Wings and even had special decals made for his boombox. Impressive, right? In total, he managed to ink deals with over a dozen companies.

Last year, the Cowboys had a striking upset against No. 5 Clemson before falling to No. 4 Purdue in the next round. Khan’s influence is evident; players don shirts emblazoned with his image, and he attributes his nickname “Aura” to the collective energy of the team. “The aura comes from the players,” he explained, crediting their excitement on the court. It’s a reminder of how much teamwork can amplify individual contributions.

In a twist, former coach Will Wade left for North Carolina State, leading many players into the transfer portal. However, Khan opted to stay at McNeese State for his senior year, a decision that likely keeps the narrative alive.

Heading into Thursday’s game, McNeese State is favored by 12.5 points. The winner will take on the victor from the matchup between No. 4 seed Nebraska and No. 13 seed Troy State. Khan clearly appreciates his journey and doesn’t take his moments for granted.

“I don’t feel compelled to change anything just because I’m carrying the speaker now,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from this experience and am truly grateful for the support. It means everything, and we’re going to keep pushing forward as long as possible.”