Is it legal for a player who has lost control of the ball (so that he can't pick it up) to screen an opposing player in an attempt to prevent that player from picking up the ball? If so, can he move while setting such a screen?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Not sure. But my guess would be that you can set a screen, following the standard rules. I imagine it would be similar to a block/charge: if you are standing in a spot, you own that space.

While we're on the subject of rules, does it count as a field goal attempt if you are fouled in the act of shooting and you miss the shot?

I would think not. I think the offensive player gets the benefit if the shot goes in but doesn't get penalized if it doesn't.

I think your intuition is correct Coop:

From the current NCAA rule book http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/BR11.pdf:

Section 59, Art. 1 defines a screen as a "legal action by any player, offensive or defensive, with or without the ball, which, without causing contact, delays or prevents an opponent from reaching a desired position." Section 59, Art. 4 states that "No player, while moving, shall set a screen that causes contact and delays an opponent from reaching a desired position." Section 2 (Screening) of Appendix III (Officiating Guidelines) states that a foul shall be called when: (1) a defensive player is held or pushed off of his/her intended path around a screen by use of the arms, legs or body. An illegal moving screen is a type of blocking foul as defined by Section 9, Art. 1 ("Blocking is illegal personal contact that impedes the progress of an opponent." )

The rules for screening are separate from the rules for guarding an opponent (Section 35) and rebounding (Section 55, Art. 1: "A rebound is an attempt by any player to secure possession of the ball after a try for goal." )


[This message has been edited by Mutual_Friend (edited 3/2/2011 12:01p).]

In this instance it is not necessarily treated as a "screen" but more of a box-out by the player who lost the ball. Assuming he is just trying to prevent the other team from picking it up.