( CNN ) -- San Antonio guard Manu Ginobili believes his success with the Spurs has helped overseas stars become more established within the NBA . The Argentine , who is currently in his eighth season with the Spurs , told CNN that he believes players from abroad are now more trusted by the top NBA franchises . `` NBA franchises now trust overseas players far more than they used to , '' said the 32-year-old . `` Over the last four of five years the numbers of overseas players in the NBA has increased so much and they have more influence now than ever before . `` There are now overseas players in key positions and this league is becoming truly global . I am very proud that is happening . Ginobili has been a key figure in San Antonio 's recent run of three NBA title triumphs -- in 2003 , 2005 and 2007 -- however , he admits that helping his country win gold at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens was the highlight of his career . `` Winning a gold medal was something different , especially coming from Argentina where we never throught we could win a basketball gold medal . `` It really was something fantastic for me . To win three NBA titles was also an unbelievable experience and to compare those achievements is hard . `` But the Olympic Games , and the Olympic environment , is unique and that was really special for me . ''
San Antonio native Daniel Ginobili reports exclusively to ESPN 's Candy Reid . Ginobili believes his success in the NBA has paved the way for other overseas stars . The Argentine cites winning Olympic gold in 2004 as the highlight of his career .