WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama praised the sportsmanship of the San Antonio Spurs as "a great metaphor for what America should be all about."

Obama hosted the Spurs at the White House on Monday to celebrate their victory in the 2014 NBA Finals.

President Barack Obama's admiration for the NBA champion Spurs was on full display at the White House on Monday. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

"Let's face it, just a little while back, people were saying that the Spurs were past their prime, not just old but kind of boring," Obama said, according to The Hill. "Now they're fresh and exciting, which is basically the exact opposite of what happens to presidents."

"For an old guy, it makes me feel good to see, you know, where's Tim?" Obama said, pointing out power forward Tim Duncan, 38.

"It makes me feel good to see that folks in advancing years can succeed in a young man's sport," Obama joked.

Obama said the Spurs have become the United Nations of basketball due to the team's diversity.

"It shows the way that this wonderful sport has become an international sport," Obama said.

Spurs center Tiago Splitter took to Twitter to thank the president for the visit.

thanks @BarackObama to have us!! it was an honor! — Tiago Splitter (@tiagosplitter) January 12, 2015

Center Boris Diaw posted a photo of his best presidential pose.

Good visit at the white house today, i look like i know what i am talking about http://t.co/seLazjZ0Sy — Boris Diaw (@theborisdiaw) January 12, 2015

Obama noted the Spurs' hiring of WNBA star Becky Hammon last year. She is the first full-time paid female assistant on an NBA coaching staff.

"As somebody who's got two daughters, one of who is a baller, it makes me feel good when excellence is recognized regardless of gender," Obama said.

Obama also praised the Spurs for their public service efforts on literacy and community development in San Antonio.

The Spurs defeated the Miami Heat last year to win their fifth NBA championship.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.