For the good of the cause, here are situations similar to what's being discussed in this thread:
The shooter can retrieve his or her own airball, if the official considers it to be a shot attempt. The release ends team control. It is not a violation for that player to start another dribble at that point.
When an airborne player keeps control of an attempted shot that is blocked, is unable to release the ball, and returns to the floor with it, that player has not traveled; it is a held ball.
If, in a similar situation, the defender simply touches the ball, the airborne shooter maintains control of the ball, chooses not to release the ball, and returns to the floor holding the ball, it’s a traveling violation.
If, in a similar situation, the shooter loses control of the ball because of the block, then this is simply a blocked shot, the release ends team control. It is not a violation for that player to start another dribble at that point.
When an airborne player tries for goal, sees that the try will be blocked, purposely drops the ball, and touches the ball after it hits the floor, that player has traveled by starting a dribble with the pivot foot off the floor.
These are often bang bang plays that need to be ruled correctly. Be ready. They do happen.
Note: I'm not adding the NFHS 2000-2001 Basketball Interpretations Supplement #1 Situation #1 to my list until the NFHS comes down from Mount Sinai with it engraved on a stone tablet.
