Zydrunas Ilgauskas' jersey will be retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers

(UPI) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers will retire the No. 11 jersey of long-time center Zydrunas Ilgauskas on March 8 at The Q.

The Cavaliers made the announcement about Z on Monday.

"You couldn’t ask for a better person for that to happen to,'' said head coach Mike Brown. "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.''

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert also weighed in. “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,” Gilbert said.

"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.''

Ilgauskas currently serves as a special assistant to Cleveland general manager Chris Grant. He is the all-time franchise leader in games played (771), offensive rebounds (2,336), total rebounds (5,904) and blocks (1,269). He ranks seconds in points (10,616) behind only LeBron James (15,251).

"I am happy and humbled by this great honor," Ilgauskas said in a press release. "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."