Double dribble violation clarification

Question
Hi Bret,

My question surrounds the violation of double dribble.  If a player is passed the ball but upon attempting to catch it the ball hits their hands and then the floor (they then possess it with both hands). Is that considered their dribble or can they go ahead and dribble?

Answer
HI Kirk,

Just because the ball hits a player's hands doesn't mean they have "control" or possession of the ball. In the opinion of the official a player would have to actually catch the ball and establish control. At that point they are allowed to dribble. If they establish control, dribble then pick their dribble up and the dribble again, that would be considered a "double dribble" violation.

So in your scenario it would be completely legal for that player to dribble.

Thank you for your question.