MANILA (Philippines) - There aren't many people in international basketball whose words carry as much weight as those of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador Pau Gasol.

His message leaves no room for doubt: in this fiercely competitive arena, no player can secure victory alone.

A vital player in Spain's ascent in global basketball, Gasol's influence spans eras and continents, highlighted by a World Cup championship, three Olympic medals, three EuroBasket titles, two NBA rings, MVP honors in multiple FIBA competitions, and a career that is almost impossible to live up to.

Now, amid World Cup preparations, Gasol stands as a timeless icon and his legacy weaves a tale of triumph and dedication, propelling Spain to unprecedented heights.

Pau Gasol knows what it takes to win the World Cup

In an exclusive interview for FIBA.basketball, Gasol talks about the upcoming World Cup, Spain's chances in the absence of 2019 MVP Ricky Rubio and shares his opinions about the key contenders' chances in the flagship event.

"NO PLAYER CAN WIN ALONE, ESPCIALLY WITH THE TALENT THAT THERE IS ACROSS THE COMPETITION."- Pau Gasol 

A lot of eyes will be on Luka Doncic to deliver on the global stage, with Slovenian superstar set to make his World Cup debut. Speaking about him, Gasol's admiration is palpable.

"Luka is definitely one of the best basketball talents in the world right now. I love how he continues to commit to his country and the pride that he feels playing for Slovenia," he says.

"Will it be enough? That's obviously a question mark. No player can win alone, especially with the talent that there is across the competition," he adds. "So we need to see who else steps up with Slovenia for them to have a better chance."

Gasol also offered insight into other teams. 

Addressing the USA team, Gasol pointed to their youthful talents but also highlighted that's not their only strength. 

"They're very talented and young, and at the same time they've been playing really well together in these preparation games before the World Cup," he said.

"Obviously they're very well-coached. They have a great coaching staff that can provide everything the team needs to achieve their goal - which I'm sure is to win the Naismith Trophy."

Turning his attention to France, another big favorite, Gasol acknowledges the return of Nicolas Batum and Nando De Colo. He also echoes the sentiment that experience and skill are essential components for success on the global stage.

Pau Gasol has had a fair share of battles against France throughout his career 

"It's great that Nico and Nando are playing this summer again with their home country and we'll see how France does. They're experienced, they're talented so I'm sure they will have a chance to be in the last stages of the World Cup. It's a team that you can never count out, just like Spain."

France lost their only preparation game of this summer to Australia.

"HAVING JOSH [GIDDEY] WITH THE VETERANS, AUSTRALIA ARE GOING TO BE A VERY HARD TEAM TO BEAT."

When asked about Josh Giddey's impact on the Australian team, Gasol's insight is revealing.

"It will be interesting to see Giddey play with Australia and see what he can add internationally to the team," he says. "Now having Josh and with the veterans that are always there, it's going to be a very hard team to beat."

Talking about Germany, Gasol brings up their recent emergence as a formidable force in the FIBA EuroBasket 2022, which they hosted in Cologne and Berlin.

"Germany is doing really well and they played a great EuroBasket last year. They have talented players coming up," he says.

"They will be dangerous and I'm sure that they look forward to getting far in the World Cup and they want to compete for a medal. I think it would be the first World Cup medal since the bronze they won in 2002 in Indianapolis."

What about Spain?

The defending World Cup and European champions have time and time again proved no mountain is tall enough for La Familia. Their EuroBasket conquest last year with a youthful-looking squad was just another example.

However, coach Sergio Scariolo will be faced with an even more difficult challenge at the World Cup with the void left in the point guard position.

Pau Gasol believes coach Sergio Scariolo can perform magic once again

"It would be highly reckless on my part to say who the starting point guard should be. I think Sergio knows the team well and he can see who's the best fit for that position and to complement the rest of the starters," said Gasol.

"Most importantly, it's about the point guard that will end the games, rather than who starts - that would make the biggest difference. Like I said, Sergio is a great coach and he will make the best decision." 

FIBA