3 seconds?

[bard]

As with many of these scenarios, this is a HTBT (Had To Be There).

Two possibilities as I see it. First, my 3-second count may have stopped when the player "flashed" to the foul line. Unless both feet were clearly still in the lane, I may give him credit for getting out of the lane.

However, I'm judging from you post that he's still in the lane. I'm holding my whistle while he drives to the basket on a clear effort to make an attempt. When he hits the big defender and stops, I must judge if he's still making a drive for the basket. If he is, no call. If he hesitates, and I discern he's questioning whether to pass or shoot, I've got 3 seconds.

Looking back over my answer, I'd say that's as clear as mud, but I'm going to hold off on the 3-second call if I can.