Basket Interference

Question
Hello,

I would like to first thank you for taking the time to field my question. In reference to last night's Syracuse / North Carolina State game a late steal led to a layup with 6.7 seconds where there seemed to be basket interference.  As I've always understood the rule to be  it to be that if a  basketball is on top of the cylinder another life offensive(or defensive)  player may NOT grab ahold of the net,  which could alter the balls freedom of an unguided path through the rim.   Even the slightest jarring or nudge could alter this as I have always understood the rule. Does my concern warrant any merit?

Answer
Kendall,

Thank you very much for your question. I did not see the game last night nor the actual play, so it's tough for me to rule on whether or not the call or "no call" was the correct one.  

However, Basket Interference occurs when one of the following happens:

1. When a player touches the ball or any part of the basket (including the net) while the ball is on or within either basket.

2. Touches the ball while any part of the  ball is within the imaginary cylinder which as the basket ring as its lower base. (Exception would be dunking or stuffing the ball).

3. Touches the  ball outside the cylinder while reaching through the basket from below.

4. Pulls down a movable ring so that it contacts the ball before the ring returns to its original position.

If the play last night fits any one of these characteristics, chances are it was basket Interference and the officials missed it.

My question to you is, you did not specify whether or not a defensive player or an offensive player was the one that grabbed the net.  Remember, basket Interference can be both a defensive or an offensive violation.  If it was a defensive player and the layup was good, no violation needs to be called. If it was an offensive player, then it sounds like they should have blown the whistle.

I hope that answered your question, and if you would like to follow up, by all means do.

Thank you again.