Player touches ball to floor while ball is in both hands
 

Can a player who receives the ball, whether he has or has not established a pivot yet, stoop down to touch the ball to the floor with both hands on the ball? And can that player then begin a dribble?

Yes

Thank you. Can a player do that multiple times? I've seen it called as a travel, or double dribble, which doesn't seem to make sense, but I could see maybe a dead ball call? Are the rules different for HS, college and NBA on this one?

Thanks just saw the other thread on this, good to know.

Yes, they can do it multiple times...I'm not sure what you're trying to say as far as a dead ball call. The rule is not different under high school, NCAA, or NBA rules.

It's not a travel because it doesn't involve feet moving. It's not an illegal dribble because it's not a dribble at all: the ball is never released.

If you have seen it called illegal, then you've seen an official who thinks that ugly or unusual must be illegal.

That's not a sound officiating philosophy: no rule prohibits the action you describe.

NFHS Case Book...Rule 4-15 Comment
 

4.15

COMMENT: It is not possible for a player to travel during a dribble. A player is not dribbling while slapping the ball during a jump, when a pass rebounds from his/her hand, when he/she fumbles, or when he/she bats a rebound or pass away from other players who are attempting to get it. The player is not in control under these conditions. It is a dribble when a player stands still and bounces the ball. It is not a dribble when a player stands still and holds the ball and touches it to the floor once or more than once.