Dribbling/Traveling

Question
I was in a recent city league game and an opposing player was dribbling across halfcourt being somewhat closely guarded by a defender. as he crossed half court he picked the ball up to pass with both hands. As he grabbed the ballwith both hands he lost control and dropped it. He then screened the defender from getting the ball, after a couple of seconds he picked the ball back up without anyone else touching the ball. The offensive player thought it might be traveling, but he must have thought it would be traveling but would pick the ball up so the defender wouldn't get it to go for a layup on the other end.The offensive player was not called for a violation. Is this a violation or a play that is ok? we all agreed it was. the official was dead set that the player could lose control and pick it up. the other official was not sure. Thanks Dan

Answer
Hi Dan,

If the player legitimately lost control of the ball, picked it back up, and it wasn't in a continuous motion, then it is not traveling. Anybody can screen or block another player from getting the ball, so there is no violation there either. The official who did not call traveling was correct. But it's one of those plays that can be tough to call. Remember, violation calls like traveling are called at the official's discression.