where he could see it and didn't call it. And not one of those idiots on set said a word. They must have been rooting for Maryland

First step was a gather, last 2 were legal for a layup/shooting gather

NBA concoction, followed by FIBA. By the rules, he walked. Live, I also thought he walked on the catch on the in-bound. Looking at the replay, I still think he catches with his left foot on the floor and his right foot in the air. That makes his left foot his pivot foot. He then steps on his right and then turns to dribble. His left foot touches before his dribble hits the floor and he lifts his right before he releases his dribble. On the shot, he clearly picks up his dribble with his right foot on the floor and his left in the air. That makes his right foot the pivot foot when the left foot touches the floor. That's what happens in a by-the-rules layup. However, in this case, his right foot retouches the floor before he releases his shot. He then makes a tough contested shot with a nice use of the glass, but it is still a travel by the current NCAA rulebook (Section 5, Articles 4 & 5). Adding to the controversy in my view is that the rulebook for this season says that "[a]dditional focus/attention should be given to" a list of items. The fourth item on that list is "Traveling – Identify the pivot foot when a player gains control of the ball. When players are allowed to travel, they gain a distinct advantage over their defenders." I think this is a good example of how and advantage is gained--maybe twice, but certainly once, on the same play. I think Ayers just missed this one.

Don’t answer this as it will only make me upset. I just find it ludicrous that they don’t let someone take a step if they dive on the floor or fall on the floor and try to dribble. It’s infuriating.

board, and I'm always in the sense of thinking that must be right. However, I looked up the "gather" step on google, and it produced the following: No, the "gather step" (also known as the zero-step) is not allowed in college basketball (NCAA) or high school basketball (NFHS), unlike in the NBA and FIBA. Does this mean that google is not the source of all knowledge afterall?

Before starting your steps isn't allowed in NCAA. It was a point of emphasis 2 years ago when the block/charge rule came under scrutiny. They said that the defender had to be stationary during the gather and not during the 2 steps...so this has been the case for a while now

gathering, so I'm going to go back, look at them, and hope to understand it better.

I'm not sure there's a consensus on it among referee to referee much less us on the outside I genuinely wish it were a black or white 2 step. But I get why freedom of movement can be exciting for fans and limit whistles

the rule now allows 3 steps?

you take 4 or 5 if it takes that many to "gather". He caught the ball at the top of the key and dribbled before picking it up. Seems he "gathered" it when he caught it.

another step without a dribble is that not 3 steps?

They're just mincing between what is the starting point of when those 2 steps can begin It's been a topic of debate with the step back threes that have been popular in recent years where it looks like they're taking an extra step or two, but from a technical standpoint it's legal

But I'm old.

After the ball hit the floor his next foot came down and then he took two steps and went up for the shot.

Because they sure seem to let a LOT slide. Not picking, but saw a social media video on Pedulla's pivot foot the other day against UNC. I think it moved a solid 8 ft around in a circle. I honestly think they need a 4th ref with specific instructions to watch the bottom half of players during the game. So much focus is on the hands and upper area, feet get forgotten.

The Kendrick Perkins pivot-o-rama from many years back is my favorite

4-5 seconds before you call "3". In the amount of time you are watching that one player, you will not believe what else is happening. Not a major point of emphasis anymore