Originally posted by Snaqwells
I guess the question is, can the habitual shooting motion begin before the basketball is in hand?
Nope. The rules don't allow it.
NCAA R4-60--"A shooter is a player who attempts a try for a field goal or free throw".
NCAA R 4-67-2-- "A try starts when the player begins the motion that habitually precedes the release of the ball on a try".
NFHS R4-40-3 says the same thing about releasing the ball.
There is nowayinhell you can have a "try" without the ball being in contact with the player's hand(s). If a player is fouled before touching the ball, it's not a shooting foul.