Designed play jumping out of bounds.
 

Had an interesting ditch come up on the car ride today and I wasn't sure the ruling. Team A is running a designed play that has the ball handler driving toward the end line jumping out of bounds and making a pass to a player on the wing. Is this legal? Does it matter whether or not the ball is released prior to or after the player crosses the boundary plan. Thanks.

The only rule I can think of that may prevent such a thing happening states that a player can't leave the court for an unverified reason (for some reason I know the word "unverified" doesn't fit here, but I can't think of another). However, since the player hasn't actually left the court in this case, as he has inbound status until he touches the court out of bounds, then I'd say this is legal.

Legal.
As Bryan V said...A1 still has inbounds status.

Everything Is Copacetic ...
 

Even if he landed out of bounds, if his momentum took him out of bounds, and if he returned inbounds as soon as possible, without delay, then, in my opinion, everything is legal.

The Final Jeopardy Answer Is:
 

9-3-3: "...unauthorized..."

It pays to know your history!
When the NFHS put in rule 9-3-3 it also published the following interpretation:

2007-08 NFHS Basketball Rules Interpretations

SITUATION 5: A1, while being defended, is driving from near the free-throw line extended toward the end line. A1 continues toward the end line and pulls up and goes airborne just before the boundary line with his/her momentum carrying him/her out of bounds. Just as A1 goes airborne, he/she passes off to a teammate across the lane and lands out of bounds. RULING: No violation. A player's momentum, after performing legal actions on the court that results in taking him/her out of bounds is not a violation for leaving the floor for an unauthorized reason. However, if A1 purposely or deceitfully delays returning after legally being out of bounds to gain an advantage, a player technical foul would be assessed. (4-4-3; 9-3-3; 10-3-3)

thank you!

I'd check with your insurance agent....or maybe your lawyer if the ditch came out of nowhere.

Doomed To Repeat It ...
 

That's why Nevaderef is the King of the Archives. He cited a seven year old interpretation. We are, indeed, fortunate to have him here, on the Forum.