PROVIDENCE — Bob Driscoll hears the discontent in the streets and in the stands at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, and he says he understands. He’s not happy with his men’s basketball team, either.

The Providence College athletic director said today he’s “disappointed” in a veteran-laden team that’s 13-10 overall and 4-7 in the Big East. The Friars have lost five of their last six games and are in danger of missing the conference tournament for the second time in three years.

“My reaction is, I’m disappointed we haven’t been better,” he said. “There are lots of reasons you can point to. We’ve had injuries and a few other issues but, at the end of the day, we’re judged on our record. It’s not what I wanted it to be.”

The main target for PC fans’ angst is coach Tim Welsh. Now in his 10th season, Welsh led the Friars to the N.I.T. last season and began this year with NCAA hopes. A season-ending foot injury to leading returning scorer Sharaud Curry greatly hindered the team’s attack, but the rest of the team hasn’t met expectations, either.

Driscoll said he’s supporting Welsh. But if the Friars don’t stage a major turnaround, it is clear the AD may have to cut ties with the coach.

“I’m trying to focus on trying to win every game between now and the end of this season. I’m 100 percent in their corner,” is all Driscoll would say on a decision regarding Welsh’s future.

Welsh has one year left on his current contract. In order to protect future recruiting classes, PC will either extend the coach’s contract or buy him out after this season.

Asked if he would ever let a coach go during a season as has happened in recent weeks at LSU, Oregon State and other schools, Driscoll said, “I don’t think that’s appropriate or fair to a coach or the players. It’s not my way. It’s not right and there are no quick fixes in that. I’m a teammate. I want to be there for all of my coaches.”

kmcnamar@projo.com