I agree with most everyone that i would not have a foul at all in the first situation, even if the ball did not go in, but i would have one in the second situation, even if the ball did go in.
my feeling is that contact occurring from behind or from the side on a fastbreak can potentially become very ugly and to have a no-call when a player flails to the ground can send a VERY bad message.
bottom line - if a player's speed, quickness, or balance is impacted by illegal contact we need to have a foul, if it's not, we might be able to pass.
jake
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