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Why did Providence guard Vincent Council sit longer than anticipated Thursday? Twitter.

Vincent Council, Niels Giffey

Providence guard Vincent Council (32) drives to the basket while being defended by Connecticut guard Niels Giffey (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

AP

Due to issues on the defensive end of the floor in the games leading up to Thursday’s contest against Connecticut, Providence point guard Vincent Council and small forward LaDontae Henton were replaced in the starting lineup by Teddy Bancroft and Lee Goldsbrough.

But while Henton was on the floor just two minutes into the game Council had to wait longer, not entering the game until the halfway point of the first half.

Why? Council tweeted about the move on Thursday afternoon, and talking about program affairs on social media is something that head coach Ed Cooley doesn’t approve of.

Of course, former Friars Gerard Coleman (now at Gonzaga) and Ron Giplaye (now at East Tennessee State) reacted to Council’s tweet, as you can see below.

“Ya know,” Council tweeted, “I don’t even joke that ted starting and lee for me and buckets!!”

“That (bleep) is crazy,” Coleman responded. “Where the loyal at? This ya last year bruh just keep doin and finish strong my dude.”

“I’m shocked, but I ain’t surprised,” Giplaye tweeted. “What u miss study hall? Or is this the game plan?”


Following the Friars’ 82-79 overtime loss to the Huskies Cooley simply stated that the program has a policy prohibiting players from talking about the program on social media. Program issues are to be kept in house, and that’s something that just about any program would require of its players.

Both Council and Henton played well for the Friars on Thursday night, with the senior point guard finishing with 15 points, ten assists and five rebounds in 31 minutes before fouling out and Henton accounting for 15 points and 13 rebounds in 40 minutes of action.

But despite four players reaching double figures (Kadeem Batts led the way with 20 points) and a 55-24 rebounding advantage Providence lost for the fourth time in the last five games. The Friars converted 28 offensive rebounds into just 18 second-chance points, and UConn scored 25 points off of 17 Providence turnovers.

After starting the season 8-2 Providence has lost nine of their last 11 games with shoddy play on the defensive end being a big reason why (of course the Friars had limited depth for much of the non-conference portion of their schedule due to injuries or transfers).

Cooley sent a message to two of his key players by way of the bench on Thursday, and Council’s response led to him sitting much longer than expected.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.