2018 Villanova Basketball Season Recap: Bench Mob

Four deep in 2017-2018, Bench Mob was comprised of graduating seniors Denny Grace, Matt Kennedy, Tom Leibig and junior Peyton Heck. The senior trio leaves Villanova having played two years for the Wildcats and depart as National Championship winners. Presumably Heck will be back next season with a new group of rag-tag walk-on players.

Each member of the Bench Mob appeared in an NCAA Tournament game this season, with Grace and Leibig appearing in two. The Mob celebrated their biggest moment on the court during Senior Night against Depaul, a game that Villanova won 93-62. Each senior member of the Bench Mob made an appearance in the contest, and Tom Leibig and Denny Grace cashed in on their moment, each getting a bucket. Combined the trio scored five points on the night and added two rebounds.

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• Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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• Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
• Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
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• Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
• Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
• Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
• Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Did Bench Mob Meet or Exceed Expectations?

Sure! At least one Bench Mob player appeared in a game 14 times this season, which means Villanova had an excellent 2017-2018 season. It’s not useful to have statistical benchmarks in mind for the Mob as their contributions come outside of games. The quartet do their work in practice, preparation and in-game enthusiasm.

Given the results of Villanova’s season, it’s safe to say the Bench Mob did everything in their power to help the 2017-2018 Wildcats get a third NCAA Championship.

Jalen agrees.