MANILA, Philippines: Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony said Manila is among the "best places he's hooped" despite never playing.

He said in a video published by the FIBA on Friday that he loved the energy of the Philippines.

"I haven't played in the Philippines... I loved the Philippines," Anthony said. "Like, the energy over there, it's just amazing, Manila is amazing over there."

Other cities that Anthony mentioned in the video were Athens, Beijing, and London, where he took part under team USA during the Olympic Games.

The 10-time NBA All-Star was in Manila last year for the final phase of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.