Sitting in a high-rise office overlooking downtown Indianapolis, he gripped the gold pen in his hand, staring at the final line of his contract. Three million dollars
. That was the number printed on the page in bold ink. It wasn’t just a paycheck—it was a statement, a testament to his rise from a gritty, underappreciated recruit to the face of college basketball.
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head with a small grin. Two years ago, no one outside Washington State knew his name. Now, sports agents were lining up to pitch him sneaker deals, sports drink partnerships, and even a blockbuster video game cameo. His phone buzzed constantly with texts from celebrities and NBA players welcoming him to the “big leagues” of college sports.
Beside him, his mother dabbed at her eyes. “I’m just so proud of you, baby,” she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.
Miles smiled and squeezed her hand. “This is just the beginning, Ma.”
Across the table, his agent, Derrick Lowry, leaned forward. “Miles, when you sign this, you’ll officially hold the largest NIL deal in college history. You’ll be the face of the Indiana Hoosiers and a national icon before you even step onto an NBA court. Are you ready for that?”
Miles met his agent’s gaze, confidence burning in his eyes. “I’ve been ready.”
With a steady hand, he signed his name.
The room erupted in cheers. Cameras flashed. His name was already trending on social media: #MilesTheMillionaire.
Minutes later, he was ushered into a press conference. The lights were blinding, and reporters jostled to get the first question. He leaned into the microphone, still adjusting to the weight of his new status.
“Miles, what does this deal mean for you?” one reporter asked.
He thought for a moment before answering. “It’s more than money. It’s about setting a new standard. Kids from where I come from don’t get opportunities like this. I want to prove that if you put in the work, if you grind every day, anything is possible.”
The applause was deafening. Sponsors smiled approvingly from the sidelines. His face was already on the massive screens outside the arena, announcing a new partnership with a leading sneaker brand. The rise of Miles Rice was just beginning.
But deep inside, Miles knew that this contract also came with expectations. Three million dollars meant three million reasons to prove he was worth every cent. The haters would be waiting for him to fail. The pressure would be relentless.
He welcomed it.
That night, as he walked onto Indiana’s practice court, he dribbled the ball slowly, listening to the echo through the empty gym. Soon, these seats would be packed with fans chanting his name. He had the talent, the drive, and now, the backing of the biggest brands in sports.
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