March Madness Icon Joins NC State Basketball Program
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When it was first reported that the NC State basketball program was in conversations with McNeese State head coach Will Wade regarding the Wolfpack head coaching vacancy, folks in Raleigh began to pay more attention to the Cowboys’ run in March Madness.
ALSO READ: How to Watch NC State's Highly Anticipated Press Conference
In doing so, Wolfpack fans may have become familiar with the most popular member of the McNeese program, student manager Amir Khan. The 22-year-old went viral back in February with clips of him leading the Cowboys’ team onto the floor with a giant boombox around his neck, which quickly sparked a tradition that carried over into the NCAA Tournament.
ALL THE AURA pic.twitter.com/MnqtI3hjNR
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2025
Khan, who was given the nickname “Aura,” wound up earning six-figure NIL deals, including with brands such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Insomnia Cookies.
His newfound notoriety also reportedly earned him a new job, with the manager set to follow his former head coach to Raleigh as a brand new member of the NC State basketball staff.
Following McNeese’s season-ending defeat to Purdue on Saturday, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reported that the viral sensation is expected to follow Wade and join the Wolfpack as a graduate assistant.
News: Amir "Aura" Kahn is expected to follow Will Wade to NC State as a GA. As for Wade, he told me he's agreed to a six-year deal. NC State is expected to announce Wade on Sunday.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 22, 2025
Kahn also FaceTimed with NC State legend DJ Burns on Friday night.
Story! https://t.co/3w0LODJcmp
"Aura" resides to Raleigh.
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Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.
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