During an interrupted dribble, an official rules a 3 second violation. Is this ruling correct?

In basketball, a 3-second violation is called when an offensive player remains in the key (the paint) for more than three seconds while their team is in possession of the ball, unless they are actively guarding an opponent. During an interrupted dribble, a player who has stopped dribbling still has the same restrictions regarding the 3-second rule.

If an official rules a 3-second violation during an interrupted dribble, it is indeed correct because the player is subject to the same rule as when actively dribbling. The interrupted dribble does not eliminate the requirement to exit the key after three seconds if no offensive action is being taken, such as attempting to shoot or pass the ball.

The other options highlight situations that would not affect the basic rule of the 3-second violation: whether the ball is moving or if it's in the backcourt does not change the fundamental situation where the player has exceeded the time limit within the key while their team has possession of the ball.