2007-08 Case Book 10.6.1 Situation A:

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Maybe...depends on whether A1 has the ball or not.

If A1 has the ball, then yes, it is a charge if B1 has position before A1 becomes airborne.....no landing space required.

If A1 doesn't have the ball, B1 must give time and distance. If B1 got the spot just before A1's last foot left the floor or even as A1 was taking their final step, it will still be a block....not enough time/distance.

The only dilemma that remains is when (a) A1 catches the ball while in the air or, (b) having started with the ball, passes the ball while in the air.

In (b), B's LGP, if obtained before A1 jumped, doesn't cease to be LGP just because the ball is passed away.

In (a), it is a bit stickier question. At the time B obtained a position on A1 without the ball, it was not LGP....too late. But when airborne A1 catches the ball, does that make B1's position legal? This point has been discussed and debated here in the past and you'll not find 100% agreement on the topic. That said, it is my opinion that B1's position that was obtained just before A1 became airborne becomes legal when A1 catches the ball. Rationale...A1 had the ball at the point of contact and B1 had position before A1 jumped.

Camron, you have this a bit twisted.
In order to keep it simple all that one needs to remember is that the guard must have obtained legal position BEFORE the opponent left the floor if the opponent is airborne. This is true whether the opponent has the ball or not.

The time and distance factor (two strides) only applies to guarding a nonairborne, moving opponent who does NOT have the ball.