Quote:
Originally posted by rwest
This is a violation. I believe there is even a case book play for this. I'll have to check when I get home. However, if I understand the situation you indicated above, the player was airbourne (i.e. both feet off the floor). He then dropped the ball to the floor. This is considered the start of a dribble. The player can not do this to protect himself. He started a dribble with the pivot foot off the floor. Classic travel.
Anyone else agree?
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I can't speak for "anyone", but I disagree. The case(s) to which you are referring are 4.43.3A and 4.43.3B In both cases the player drops the ball to the floor
and touches it. That's what makes it illegal. See also 9.5 "...provided A1 is the first to touch the ball" (and while this case deals with the ball hitting the opponents backboard or an official, those are the same as the ball hitting the floor).
There's also some play where A1 passes toward A2 who runs away. A1 chases the ball and gathers it after it hits the floor. Ruling: It's a dribble after A1 touches it.
The play as described (A1 jumps in the air, releases the ball and doesn't touch it) is just a pass.