Many an NBA career has been ruined by the almighty dollar.

Milwaukee Bucks young forward Ersan Ilyasova is determined not to let that happen to him.

After having a breakout 2011-2012 season, Ilyasova hit the jackpot during free agency this summer. He signed a lucrative contract that will guarantee him $31.6 million over the next four seasons with a team option for $8.4 million in the fifth season.

With his financial future virtually set, Ilyasova could have easily got lazy and out of shape during the offseason as some other players in his position have done in the past.

“The thing with this contract … there comes responsibility with it. People are expecting more, so that’s why I spent the summer working with a coach to try and improve myself.”

The 25-year-old Ilyasova hired a personal strength coach for the first time in his career with the sole intent of transforming his rather slender physique into a more pumped-up and defined body.

“I hired a strength coach. I don’t want to say his name; I want to keep it secret because he was so good. He’s worked with NFL type guys. He helped me a lot.”

Ilyasova appears to be in great shape mentally as well. His expanded wallet hasn’t expanded his head. His work ethic hasn’t diminished.

via Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times