Zydrunas Ilgauskas' No. 11 to be retired on March 8 against New York Knicks: Cleveland Cavaliers Insider
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Cavaliers heaped praise on long-time center Zydrunas Ilgauskas after announcing that the team would retire his No. 11 jersey on March 8 at The Q.
Most of the details have yet to be worked out, and tickets won't go on sale for games in the second half of the season, including that one, until Dec. 7, but the Cavs were thrilled to talk about the big Lithuanian on Monday.
"You couldn’t ask for a better person for that to happen to,'' coach Mike Brown said before the exhibition game against Philadelphia at Value City Arena.
"Talk about being a great person and great player, what he meant to the Cavs’ organization, Northeast Ohio, the city of Cleveland and the state of Ohio, what he meant to myself and my career.
"I could go on and on talking about him and his beautiful wife, Jennifer, and their two kids. I'm very, very excited for a a great, great person and family. He was a cornerstone of the organization for many years. I’m thrilled to death.''
Said owner Dan Gilbert,
“Zydrunas Ilgauskas is not only one of the best basketball players to ever wear a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform, he is also one of the finest human beings that has ever been associated with the franchise.
"Z’s numbers and productivity are clear evidence of his basketball success. What is more impressive about this gentle giant is the authentic concern and interest he displayed for not only his teammates, but for everybody who worked at the Cavaliers and for the loyal fans who supported him throughout and after his playing days. Z carried himself in a manner that positively impacted the fans and community that serves as the gold standard for all professional athletes. I am proud that the big fella’s jersey is being retired and will hang forever in the rafters of The Q.''
Added GM Chris Grant,
“Zydrunas represents the very best of how any sports franchise would hope to be represented. He was a hard-working competitor who persevered, was dedicated, inspiring, and was a great teammate. As good as he was on the court, he was just as good off the court and in our community. Everyone that knows Z also knows that he is a kind-hearted, fun-loving and honorable person. He has been a colleague, mentor and friend to many people in the Cavaliers family and we are extremely happy and grateful that he was, is, and always will be a Cleveland Cavalier.
"His jersey hanging in The Q will be a permanent reflection of all that he has meant to the entire organization and Cleveland."
Ilgauskas, currently a special assistant to Grant, was the No. 20 pick in the first round of the 1996 draft and overcame numerous foot injuries to become the all-time franchise leader in games played (771), offensive rebounds (2,336), total rebounds (5,904) and blocks (1,269) while ranking second in points scored (10,616).
"I am happy and humbled by this great honor," Ilgauskas said in a press release issued by the team.
"Cleveland and the Cavaliers have been such a huge part of my life and it will be a very special and proud day for me and my family. I want to thank the Cavaliers and fans alike because I have been very fortunate to play here, work here and call Cleveland home."
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2013/10/cleveland_cavaliers_to_retire.html
Love what Chris Grant said:
"Zydrunas represents the very best of how any sports franchise would hope to be represented."
Boom.