I absolutely love this video.I have seen the haka performed thousands of times in my life in a variety of situations - but clearly Team USA wasn't entirely prepared for what they were about to be a part of.
The haka is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand. It's a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment.
The New Zealand rugby team's practice of performing a haka before their matches has made the dance more widely known around the world. The New Zealand basketball team has also picked up the tradition.
Unlike Turkey's national team, that completely disrespected the Kiwis by walking off the floor, Team
USA showed respect and reverence and went to show respect immediately after the haka was completed.
Great entertainment. Well done.
For those that care, the Americans went on to crush the "Tall Blacks" 98-71.
