Airborne Rebounder Begins Dribble Before Touching Floor

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Freddy

A rookie official -- and I give him hearty credit for this -- pushed back on a point that I was making last night that: A rebounder violates if he begins a dribble while still airborne.

I note nothing in 4-15 to back that up, but do have 4.44.3B which, though a different situation, seems similar: "...one foot must be considered to be the pivot and must be on the floor when the ball is released to start a dribble. The fact that no pivot foot had been established does not alter this ruling."

Am I correct that this casebook sitch also would apply to a rebounder who begins a dribble while still airborne?

Btw the NFHS issued an interpretation ruling on this play a few seasons ago stating that it was legal for a rebounder or an airborne player catching a pass to begin a dribble prior to either foot coming down and contacting the floor. If someone wishes to search for it and post it.