"Hey Ref, that's five seconds!"

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by grunewar

If so, this is a PRIME example of why what is watched by fans, helps perpetuate our problems with rules knowledge ...

Which is exactly why it's on my list of The Most Misunderstood Basketball Rules (NFHS):

The closely guarded rule is in effect in frontcourt only, when a defender is within six feet of the ball handler. Up to three separate five second counts may occur on the same ball handler: holding, dribbling, and holding. The count continues even if defenders switch. The five second count ends when a dribbler gets his, or her, head, and shoulders, ahead of the defender.