Malone's coach

Inferred in the press conference that visiting Boulder left a big impression on Malone. His coach also said that he could have transferred to D1 schools (and NIL money) the past two years but chose to stay at Grace and play with his teammates.

It sounds like he felt Colorado gave him the best chance to develop into a pro player but that he also wanted to get away and experience another part of the country. I'm sure if all things were equal, NIL could play a part in his decision, but it doesn't seem like in his case that's what motivated his decision.