Spain's national basketball team received the prestigious Prince of Asturias sports award Friday in recognition of its World Championship title won in Japan.

Spanish basketball team player Pau Gasol (C) and his team members pose with UNICEF's Executive Director Ann M. Veneman of the U.S. (front 2nd R) during a reception for the 2006 Prince of Asturias Awards, in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo October 20, 2006. [Reuters]

The team outpolled 29 other candidates for the award in the category of sports, including French Open tennis champion Rafael Nadal, retiring eight-time Grand Slam event winner Andre Agassi, and 2006 World Cup chief Franz Beckenbauer.

"To receive a first like this is a completely different emotion than in playing a game," FIBA World Championship most valuable player award winner Pau Gasol said. "We are very happy and I'm really pleased that the team gave me permission to be here today."

The jury called the team's 70-47 win over Greece in last month's final _ which capped an unbeaten tournament _ "the most brilliant chapter in the history of Spanish basketball."

The prize is awarded annually by a foundation named for Crown Prince Felipe, heir to the Spanish throne. It includes such categories such as arts, science and humanities to Spaniards and foreigners alike.

Former winners include 2005 Formula One champion Fernando Alonso, seven-time Tour de France titlist Lance Armstrong, and the 2002 World Cup winning Brazilian soccer team.