Despite not playing in the final, Grizzlies star Pau Gasol was named the MVP of the World Championships as his Spain team took home the gold.

Gasol led Spain in scoring and rebounding throughout the tournament. When the 7-footer broke his foot with about a minute left in the 75-74 semifinal win over Argentina, his team's gold-medal hopes dimmed considerably.

"Against Argentina that was a night of pain and happiness, and it has become happiness," said Gasol, the world championship trophy on one side and the tournament's Most Valuable Player award on the other. "It couldn't be any better today. It's hard to describe with words.

"My teammates today played an amazing game. They played with their hearts and together as a unit. It's no fun to watch. I thought I would suffer some more, but I am so happy to see the way they responded without me being there."

Gasol stood holding his head in his hands in the final seconds, openly in tears. It wasn't long before Gasol hopped to midcourt to join his teammates in a circle, sitting on the court wearing headbands given to them at the final buzzer.

"I was just super happy and couldn't contain myself from crying," he said. "It is so special to be a part of this team and not being able to be there really hurt me."