The unusual dancers stand in an arrowhead formation on the practice court in the belly of American Airlines Center, the only belly here larger than the 18 in the room.
Rob "Big Rob" Maiden bellows a simple cue: "ManiAACs, go." The others bark, "Mavs!" as they put their heads down and hands on their knees before running through their latest routine.
The ManiAACs, the first all-male NBA dance team, are in the middle of a weekly 2- to 3-hour rehearsal. Maiden, one of the original members, and this portly gang gather after their day jobs to prepare for the 41 Mavericks home games and scores of other public appearances they will make this year.