When is a player entitled to a "basket interference" call?

A player is entitled to a "basket interference" call when they touch the ball on its way down toward the basket. This rule exists to maintain fairness in scoring opportunities; once the ball has reached its apex and is descending towards the basket, any contact with the ball is considered interference. This prevents players from unfairly altering the outcome of a shot that is in the process of going into the basket.

In the context of the other options, blocking a shot is not classified as interference; rather, it is a defensive move aimed at preventing the ball from entering the hoop. When the ball is on the rim and falling off, touching it could also result in interference, but the specific situation of the ball being allowed to remain on the rim makes it a different case. Lastly, a foul committed near the basket does not relate to the rules of basket interference but rather to player conduct; it reflects a different aspect of gameplay governed by fouling rules. Thus, touching the ball during its descent is the clear and specific criterion for calling basket interference.