Not a travel

[Jim Dixon]

eReferee wrote the following on one video clip:

"Jose Villafranca calls a jump ball on a shot in the Peaster-Van Vleck 2A Championship Game. (0.7MB)

This is a tough play for the Lead official, but one that he called correctly. It's important that the Center official be prepared to make a call on this curl play. Although there might be minimal contact, the defensive player makes a great play on the ball. Officials should stay away from calling a foul on the defensive player. Another possible option might be a Travel; however, Jump Ball is the best call."

My comment:

Great comment. I agree that the C has a primary responsibility to see this and be prepared to help L to get the correct call. Two whistles would be near perfect for this call, if it could happen together. There was some contact by the defender, but the defender reached in and grabbed the ball and THEN the ball was elevated toward the hoop on a shot attempt. The contact was minimal, and IMHO a foul was not warranted.

Finally, I disagree with the last comment that a travel was a possible option. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT a possible option. #34 did not travel, so to make a travel call on him would have been just as egregious (if not worse) as calling a foul on the defender who held the ball. Neither the defense nor offense should bear greater responsibility on this play. See the whole play. It appears that Jose did!

Jim Dixon