I had no idea what to call....

[Adam]

Originally Posted by deecee

Off the top of my head isn't there something about a ball handler holding the ball and the defense makes contact with the hand, and this contact shouldn't be a foul?

It's been reworded recently, but here's the rule:
"It is legal use of the hands to reach to block or slap the ball controlled by a dribbler or a player throwing for goal or a player holding it and accidentally hitting the hand of the opponent when it is in contact with the ball." (4-24-2)

This wording has been changed, but it's really just a clarification. It does not, however, say the hand is part of the ball. That old adage may provide accurate understanding of the intention of the rule, but it falls apart when we attempt to apply it to other situations.