Klay Thompson, Kevon Looney excited to meet Manila's passionate fans

Add Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney to the list of basketball stars that are in the country on top of the ongoing 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Golden State Warriors' Thompson and Looney are in the Philippines for the first time for a series of events organized by sports brand Anta.

"When we stepped out of the plane, you just felt the tropical breeze and it felt so nice," the Golden State star said.

While Thompson and Looney are looking forward to the sights and sounds of the Philippines in their short stay in Manila, what they are excited about is the people of this hoops-crazy nation.

"Im excited to meet all of our Filipino fans," he said. "We have a huge fan base of Filipinos in the Bay [Area], actually. We celebrate Filipino Heritage Night so to be here is really great, it's a very full circle moment."

Thompson shared that when he was drafted in 2011, he did not expect to have fans from all over the world.

"Coming to Manila and feel the love is just so special. I know Looney and I, we don't take it for granted. We really appreciate, we love our fans. We feel so inspired It just makes us work much harder," Thompson added.

Looney echoed Thompson's sentiment.

"To actually be here and step foot in this country, I'm excited to be here," said Looney.

"To try out food and try different things and meet people here is a special moment, somehow."

After their press conference, the two got a taste of Manila's passionate fans when they graced the "Shock the Game" finals where National University won the title.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News