Who is the highest paid college basketball player?

Is there data on who the most paid college basketball player is? Not sure if this is common knowledge or not, but I'm doing some research on college sports and am curious about this.

In terms of direct payment for playing basketball, it's necessary to clarify that traditionally, college athletes were not formally paid by their respective colleges or universities for participating in sports. The main forms of compensation were scholarships, which could include tuition fees, room, meals, and textbooks.

However, there's been a historic shift recently with the introduction of the NCAA's new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy, implemented in July 2021. This policy allows student-athletes to earn money from endorsements, autograph signings, brand partnerships, and other NIL dealings, providing countless financial opportunities for collegiate athletes.

While it's difficult to ascertain the highest earning person due to the murkiness of private deals and varying state laws, it's reported that several athletes have capitalized on this change with six-figure deals. Though the specifics of these deals are not always public, it is clear that for the first time in history, there's potential for select college athletes to earn substantial amounts based on their brand and on-court performance.

However, the exact ranking of who is currently the highest-paid college basketball player through NIL deals is hard to determine without access to specific data on every athlete's deals. The income can be quite variable, depending on the individual athlete's brand and popularity among fans and brands. Keep in mind, their financial success largely depends on their ability to leverage their NIL rights effectively.