National Basketball Association

'Z' back with Cavs

Published Mar. 28, 2010 8:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

Zydrunas Ilgauskas is back in his basketball home.

The Cavaliers' towering center, recently re-signed after being traded to Washington, returned to a hero's welcome on Sunday in his first home game back with Cleveland.

When Ilgauskas, known simply as ``Z'' to Cleveland fans, checked in with 4:02 left in the first quarter for Antawn Jamison, fans held up ``Z'' placards and filled Quicken Loans Arena with the familiar, droning ``Zeeeeeeee,'' a sound that was missing while he was away.

Ilgauskas is the Cavs' career leader in games played, blocked shots and rebounds. The 7-foot-3 Lithuanian was drafted by the club in 1996 and overcame serious foot injuries that nearly ended his career.