WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (AP) — Monmouth may have the most popular bench in America, and the guys playing on the court are also making quite a name for themselves.
The Hawks reserves have gained national acclaim for their entertaining routines in reaction to big moments during games, shared quickly online through Vines and GIFs. There have been many during Monmouth's 4-2 start, as the mid-major from Central New Jersey is emerging as college basketball's early feel-good story.
Monmouth has wins over UCLA, No. 17 Notre Dame and USC, and begins MAAC play Friday at Canisius. This week, it received its first-ever vote in the AP Top 25 poll.