The Monmouth Hawks have become known for their eccentric bench celebrations, and some might even say they have the best celebrations in basketball. (1:27)

Monmouth has the best bench in basketball (1:27)

Everyone loves the Monmouth bench, right? Well, everyone except Iona coach Tim Cluess.

.@ICGaels HC Tim Cluess on @MUHawks bench: Are they on the team? I didn't know if they were on the team or wearing uniforms as cheerleaders — Dan Koob (@DanKoob) January 13, 2016

.@ICGaels Cluess continued: I've never seen them on the court doing anything, so to me, they're not basketball players. — Dan Koob (@DanKoob) January 13, 2016

The Gaels host the Hawks on Friday (9 p.m. ET, ESPNU) in a game that has serious implications in the MAAC title race, and Cluess decided to do the unthinkable, to speak ill of America's favorite bench mob.

There's some history here, too. Iona knocked Monmouth out of the MAAC tournament last season, a game in which Cluess and Monmouth coach King Rice exchanged some heated words.