Because of the rule defining what a shot is. A shot isn't defined as a ball that hits the backboard. It is defined as an attempt to throw the ball into the basket. Using the backboard as the factor to determine if it is a shot or not, as suggested by many, is just not supported by any rule or case play.

Uhhh ... you are using a quote from a newspaper article about the game to determine that it was indeed a pass? Really???

Hey, he talked to the players and the coaches. All you have is a kid firing a 100 mph missile into the bottom of the backboard from 50 feet out with 4 seconds left to determine that it was indeed a shot.

So now you're believing what a sports reporter says? There were no players or coaches saying it was a pass in that article.

Yes, an attempt to throw in the basket (in the official's judgement).

Using the backboard is not THE factor but a factor along with everything else. Judgement is a key part of the rule that you quote. My judgement is that on a 60' throw headed toward the basket in the last seconds of a period and it hits the backboard/rim OR misses the backboard by 1" IS A SHOT. My criteria. And, I understand maybe not your's?

Speaking of which, what is your criteria for your judgement?

This is a half court 1 handed pass to the player cutting down the left side of the lane. It was off target, but it in no way looks like a shot to me. Just my opinion. Now if it is judged to be a pass, is this a backcourt?

Using your opinion, the correct call is backcourt. During the huddle, if the trail indicated that in his opinion the throw was a pass, then let's put the .5 back on the clock and give the ball to the OTHER team. The crew didn't do that.

By the way, the first throw looks a lot more like a shot to me than the second one that went in. As you say - my opinion.

It would be interesting to see if the C was signaling a 3 point shot. You can't really tell from the video. If he was signaling a 3 attempt that sort of answers the question.
As officials, is it a duty to know what the play is going to be? Do we know for certain, as someone mentioned, that he was supposed to pass to the player cutting down the left side? Or pass it up the line to the player who ended up covered?
I see a player leave his feet and launch the ball towards the ball from half court are towards the goal. We have already determined there is no rule we can cite to say this is a shot attempt or this is a pass attempt. Since we are dealing with judgement, go with the easiest option. Is it easier to believe this was a shot attempt or some botched play with an errant pass?

And whoever asked why a kid would shoot a ball from mid court with that much time left made me laugh. Much like women, I have given up trying to figure out why teenagers do what they do and just go with it!:)

Ummm. it was a pass. It just got deflected. It is in the video. No B/C basket is good.