Cavs Ilgauskas Gets Extension

The Cleveland Cavaliers have locked up the middle man in their competent core of youth, re-signing Lithuanian center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to a six-year contract extension.

The 7-3, 268-pound Ilgauskas gave up a chance to become a free agent at the end of the season by signing the deal, on which financial terms were not released.

The Cavaliers apparently wanted to hold on to a key piece of their young squad that made the playoffs with a 47-35 record last season. Ilgauskas joins fellow second-year players Brevin Knight, Derek Anderson and Cedric Henderson again this season as Cleveland looks to make a run at the Central Division title, with the Chicago Bulls dismantled.

Ilgauskas, 23, became a key contributor for the upstart Cavaliers this past season, averaging 13.9 points and 8.8 rebounds. He played in all 82 games after sitting out the entire 1996-97 campaign due to a broken bone in his right foot.

"They gave me a chance to prove myself in the league," Ilgauskas said. "I'm just happy that I'm going to be in Cleveland for a long period of time."

A 1996 first-round pick, Ilgauskas also blocked 135 shots and hit 52 percent from the field. But the highlight of his 1997-98 campaign was winning Most Valuable Player in the Rookie Game at All-Star Weekend.

The young group joins veterans Shawn Kemp and Wesley Person, as well as recent addition Johnny Newman. Newman, who was waived by the Cavs more than 12 years ago, signed a free-agent deal after leading Denver in scoring last season.

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