Did I mess this one up?

[Nevadaref]

I would call a throw-in violation.
I don't understand why you have such a problem with this.
There are certain activities during a basketball game that must be done from a specified location. If that doesn't happen then the activity wasn't properly excuted, so that player violated the rules.

For example, a FT must be attempted from within the semi-circle, a jumper must stand within the proper half of the circle for the jump ball, a rebounder who is along the FT lane must take a position within one of the marked lane spaces.

All that you have to understand is that it is illegal for a player to attempt any of these activities from a location other than that specified in the rules.

That's not so hard.