US president Barack Obama has praised Australian US college basketball sensation Ben Simmons.
The supremely talented Louisiana State University forward is tipped to be the No.1 NBA draft on the back of a sparkling college season where he is averaging 20.3 points, 12.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Speaking at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge where LSU is located, Obama sarcastically described Simmons as "an okay basketball player".
Obama noted Simmons's father, former Melbourne Tigers star Dave Simmons, and US secretary of education Arne Duncan, who played in Australia from 1987 to 1991, had faced off in the NBL.
"They can hoop, but I think they would both acknowledge that Ben is better," Obama said.
"And it's wonderful to have him here."
Following the mention, Obama was asked on Twitter to pick his favourite player from a choice of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan or LeBron James and responded by mentioning his meeting with Simmons.
"Love em all, but as a bulls fan got to go with mj. in baton rouge, just met lsu freshman ben simmons - will be great," he replied.
Simmons was humbled by Obama's mention, saying it was "surreal".
"It's an amazing feeling because I've worked so hard to get where I am," Simmons said.
"For somebody like him to recognise that and give me some props for that - it's awesome, it's surreal."
Obama joins a long list of admirers for the Melbourne-born teenager, which includes NBA legend Magic Johnson who considers Simmons the best all-round player to emerge since LeBron James.
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