Monmouth's Rice: Players wanted to dance instead of play last year

Most teams have to deal with players looking for more time on the floor, but Monmouth ran into a different issue last year.

"Our problem was guys that were playing wanted to be in the bench mob and dance," head coach King Rice said Tuesday at a leadership conference. "I'm like 'No, Justin (Robinson), you have to play.'"

Monmouth's bench mobs became the center of attention across college basketball early last season. While some opponents took the antics in stride, others - like Iona - weren't so fond of the game-long celebrations.

The Hawks danced their way to a 28-8 record last season, but missed out on an NCAA tournament berth, and instead settled for an invitation to the NIT. Regardless of the game-to-game results, though, Rice's team always had a good time.

"No matter how tough it got, I made it fun for the kids," he said. "No matter how bad I felt as the coach - fun for the kids."