GENEVA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Spain's legendary center Pau Gasol has been named the Global Ambassador of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced on Monday.

Gasol joined Argentina's Luis Scola as an ambassador of the tournament, which is slated from August 25 to September 10.

"The World Cup is the toughest trophy in basketball to win," Gasol was quoted as saying by FIBA. "A winning team needs character and chemistry and teammates who will pick you up when you're down."

Gasol played at three World Cups, five Olympics and seven FIBA EuroBaskets, helping Spain win silver medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and bronze at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.