I have started to say something on this subject more than once during this thread, and never actually done it. So I'm glad you brought it up.
All kidding aside, I think the NFHS basketball rules are fairly well done, especially compared to some other rules books I've experienced. And the way they've been done is well suited to the game. I'm also of the philosophical bent that, generally, if a play/action/whatever isn't specifically ruled illegal, it is legal. That is the root of my argumentativeness on this. It clearly does not meet the definition of a dribble.
But...applying the WWJND test: The dribble is legal method of advancing the ball while still maintaining player control. The associated rules all have to do with maintaining a balance of offense and defense based around this activity. But what the OP describes, is just some guy who stops advancing the ball, sets it on the floor and wipes his hands on his socks, and then continues play. Any 10 second count doesn't stop. The ball is available to the defense. And I'm not sure how to balance offense and defense during gratuitous hand wiping. I don't see how the game benefits by defining this unusual action as anything, let alone as equivalent to advancing the ball down court by bouncing it.
Now if players begin doing what Mick describes, it would have to be addressed. One way would be to define the placing the ball on the floor and picking it up to be a dribble. Another would be to state that a five second count does not stop if the player places the ball on the floor. I'd favor the second approach because it has less potential for unintended consequences from messing with a long-standing fundamental definition.
If the NFHS ever addresses the issue, I probably won't have much to say about it no matter what they decide. Unless they really screw it up like the recent backcourt interp.
I'll stop now, while I only need glasses.
