What happens after a player commits an offensive foul?

When a player commits an offensive foul, possession of the ball is turned over to the opposing team. This is a fundamental aspect of basketball rules as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining control and discipline on the court. An offensive foul occurs when a player with the ball makes illegal contact with a defensive player, either by pushing, charging, or otherwise using their body inappropriately to gain an advantage.

By awarding possession to the defending team, the rules discourage players from trying to gain unfair advantages through poor conduct and promote fair play. This turnover also creates an opportunity for the defensive team to transition into offense, which can change the dynamics of the game significantly. In this case, the rationale behind the other choices highlights actions not applicable in the situation of an offensive foul: free throws are reserved for certain fouls against the defense, play cannot simply continue without consequence following such infractions, and players are not automatically removed from a game for committing an offensive foul unless it is their fifth or a flagrant foul occurs.