EuroBasket MVP Pau Gasol commits to Spain for 2016 Olympics

Not satisfied with just a third EuroBasket gold medal, Pau Gasol is taking aim at his first Olympic gold.

The Spanish center, thwarted by the U.S. in his gold-medal attempts in 2008 and 2012, confirmed Sunday his intention to suit up at Rio next summer.

"I will play at the Olympic Games trying to win a medal," Gasol said after Spain captured the EuroBasket crown, thanks in large part to his MVP-winning performance.

Spain has long been a powerhouse on the international scene, generally being considered the No. 2 team after the U.S. juggernaut. Short on their usual guard depth and missing a few key NBA cogs, Spain struggled out of the gate at EuroBasket but eventually settled in and rolled to the championship, with Gasol dominating inside, averaging 25.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 blocks, while shooting 57.5 percent.

Gasol was similarly effective at the 2014 FIBA World Cup, although Spain disappointed, bowing out in the quarterfinals. The Chicago Bulls big man sat out international play in 2013 but has otherwise been a stalwart on the team, suggesting his player option for 2016-17 and potential free agency shouldn't complicate his commitment.

The 35-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 blocks last season, his first with the Bulls. How new head coach Fred Hoiberg uses Gasol and manages his defensive limitations will be one of the stories to watch early in training camp, but it's clear from EuroBasket that Gasol remains one of the most dangerous offensive big men in the game.