With March Madness coming to an end, we will be going over some of the most memorable tournament icons who exploded during the Men’s NCAA tournament in the past decade.
2025: Amir “Aura” Khan
Who is Amir “Aura” Khan?
Amir “Aura” Khan has been the McNeese State team manager for the past two years.
What impact did he make?
Khan was an internet sensation for about a month. He first blew up for his walk-out routine, where he would carry a huge boombox and rap word-for-word along with the players.
McNeese was picking up a ton of traction online for their manager that was beloved by the fans. While Khan was on the way to becoming a superstar, McNeese was making a run in the Southland Conference Tournament. They went on to capture the conference championship and clinched a spot in the March Madness tournament. The headlines became “Amir ‘Aura’ Khan and McNeese are on their way to the March Madness tournament.” The energy he surrounded the team with helped compel McNeese to a first round upset, taking down the fifth seed Clemson Tigers. McNeese would make school history capturing their first NCAA Tournament win in program history.
Khan made history becoming the first collegiate team manager to sign an NIL deal. He is said to have made over six figures, with 10+ NIL deals. “Aura” has taken over college sports and has carved a path for the future of team managers at the collegiate level.
Where is he now?
There are many speculations that Khan will be following Coach Will Wade to NC State to further his academics while also managing the men’s basketball team.
2024: DJ Burns
Who is DJ Burns?
DJ Burns was a collegiate basketball player, who started his career at Winthrop, finishing it out at NC State.
What impact did he make?
DJ Burns took the 2024 NCAA tournament over by storm. The magical run started in the ACC Conference tournament. NC State was on the verge of making the tournament after their mediocre regular season. Burns and NC State got hot at the right time, leading them to a conference championship that came out of nowhere. They punched their ticket to the 2024 NCAA tournament., where the Wolfpack went on to make a run to the Final Four. Burns had many dominant performances, including a 29-point game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite 8.
Where is he now?
He has continued his passion for the game of basketball playing professionally overseas. Following going undrafted during the 2024 NBA Draft, Burns was then picked up by the Goyang Sono Skygunners of the Korean Basketball League, where he is still thriving.
2022: Doug Edert
Who is Doug Edert?
Doug Edert is a collegiate basketball player that played his first three seasons at Saint Peter’s, where he grew his popularity. He then went on to transfer to Bryant University for his senior season.
What impact did he make?
Saint Peter’s made a generational run during the 2022 NCAA tournament. Their icon happened to be a player that came off the bench as a spark plug for the Peacocks. Edert’s best performance came with a 20-point game in a first round upset against the second seeded Kentucky Wildcats. He followed that with another double-digit performance in the Round of 32 victory versus Murray State. His mustache made him very marketable and his rise to fame was here in the blink of an eye.
Where is he now?
Doug joined the coaching staff at his high school alma mater, Bergen Catholic High School, where he is the assistant coach.
2018: Sister Jean
Who is Sister Jean?
Sister Jean is a 105-year-old lady, who has been the team chaplain for Loyola Chicago’s men’s basketball team since 1994. Being a nun, Sister Jean has helped the Ramblers throughout the years, giving the team pregame prayers.
What impact did he make?
Sister Jean was the head of the snake for the 2018 Loyola Chicago team. She was the super fan for one of the greatest runs in school history, taking home four tournament wins, as well as a Final Four appearance. Sister Jean was the team’s good luck charm and every game was dedicated to her.
Sister Jean’s popularity broke out after Layola’s upset against the Miami Hurricanes in the Round of 64. The internet couldn’t get enough of the elderly women who supported the team with an immense amount of passion. Every broadcast from there on out, she would appear on.
Where is he now?
Sister Jean is now living in a senior living residence in the city of Chicago. She turned 105 years old in August and is still a huge fan of Loyola Chicago.
2016: Kris Jenkins
Who is Kris Jenkins?
Kris Jenkins was a collegiate basketball player at Villanova University from 2013-17. Jenkins was one of the key pieces to Villanova’s national championship during the 2015-16 season.
What impact did he make?
Kris Jenkins was a notable player for Villanova for the four years that he attended. Jenkins made his name something to remember after he hit a game-winning shot against North Carolina in the 2016 national championship game. His shot has become one of the most memorable in men’s college basketball history. Every March, you will see a throwback of Kris Jenkins knocking down the shot that brought home the national championship to Philadelphia.
Where is he now?
Jenkins went on to pursue his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. He went undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft, but was selected by the Sioux Falls Skyforce with the 14th pick in the 2017 G League Draft. He then went on to be waived and signed with Eisbären Bremerhaven, a German basketball club. His playing career ended in 2019, after playing one season in Germany. In 2020, Kris Jenkins was hired by his alma mater to be an assistant in the student athlete development field, in which he is still employed.
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