Forget buzzer-beaters and Cinderella runs—this March Madness, a 5-foot-7 team manager with a boombox is the real showstopper. Amir Khan’s pregame energy turned him into a viral sensation. He led McNeese’s improbable tournament run before their 76-62 loss to Purdue. But while their journey ended, his “aura” lives on. Even Gilbert Arenas, one of the NBA’s most electric personalities, couldn’t resist joining the hype. Agent Zero recreated Khan’s moment to roaring approval on his podcast

Just days ago, the McNeese State’s men’s basketball manager took over social media with a wave of his unique boombox tradition that both players and fans are vibing to. Not Cooper Flagg or Johni Broome, the face of the NCAA tournament might as well be this new sensation, Amir Khan. Gilbert Arenas even tried to replicate the same vibes.

For the shoot of the podcast, the former Golden State Warriors player put on a loose-fitting cloak emblazoned with the Lakers logo. He also held a huge boombox in his hands as he walked into the room just like Khan. Melli Monaco laughed at his antics, though she seemed annoyed. 

But how and where did it all begin? It was just a routine home game in February for the McNeese Cowboys against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. And just another normal day for the 5-foot-7 tall Khan. It was an every-game tradition for Khan to take a boombox and lead the team to the locker room tunnel. And while Khan never knew what music would play or the lyrics, he surprisingly knew the song that day. It was Lud Foe’s “In & Out.”

As Khan cranked up the volume, the deep bass of ‘In & Out’ echoed through the tunnel. Players bobbed their heads, fans clapped along, and for a brief moment, the entire stadium felt like one giant pregame party. Despite March Madness being packed with elite talent, it’s Khan’s pregame energy that’s drawing headlines. Viral fame hasn’t just boosted Khan’s visibility – it’s turned into real business opportunities. Companies are lining up, eager to capitalize on his newfound stardom. Khan became the first student NCAA manager to have his own NIL deal.

Amir Khan shares some of the aura sitting alongside Spikes Lee 

During McNeese’s second-round game against No. 4 seed Purdue, Amir Khan sat courtside with legendary filmmaker Spike Lee. What’s more? In his conversation with CBS, Khan shared that he is receiving calls from several companies for collaborations as well as NIL deals. 

Speaking of his fame, he said, “It means a lot.” “I never expected any attention as a manager, so to receive all of the love and support I received over the last few weeks really means a lot to me. But I’m really focused on trying to do what I do for the team and helping them do what they can on the court,” he told Fox Sports.

He already signed deals with TickPick, Buffalo Wild Wings, Insomnia Cookies, and Topps trading cards, and Topps will feature him on a card for a limited time. McNeese’s tournament run may have ended at Purdue, but Khan’s impact is far from over. If anything, Gilbert Arenas’ imitation only solidifies his growing influence.