McNeese social media star student manager has made it to NCAA tourney court

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A student manager for McNeese is making the most of the Cowboys’ latest appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Amir Khan has been one of the early viral sensations of March Madness, attracting attention for toting a boom box and rapping on social media videos to hype up the team. He was featured on TV as McNeese played Clemson in the first round of the West Region on Thursday.

McNeese cheerleaders and one of its players — Sincere Parker — were wearing socks with Khan’s face on them.

Khan has been a hot commodity since the school’s social media director recorded him leading the team down the tunnel during a game last month.

As a result, he became the first known basketball manager to receive an NIL deal. He got sponsorships from Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick and Insomnia Cookies.

“It’s been absolutely surreal,” Khan told The Associated Press this week. “I’ve been a big March Madness fan for my whole life. And just to be here and have the attention on me, it’s more than I’d ever imagined.”

The Cowboys got off to a fast start on Thursday, surging to a 31-13 halftime lead over the Tigers.