Which player has the right to the jump ball in a tie situation?

In a jump ball situation, it is specifically the two players who were battling for position that have the right to participate in the jump. This rule is in place to ensure fairness; the two players who were involved in the situation that caused the tie-up are given the opportunity to contest for possession directly. This emphasizes the spirit of competition and gives those who were directly involved in the play the chance to resolve the situation on the court.

The other options do not reflect the correct interpretation of the rules governing jump balls. For instance, while it might seem logical that the highest jumper would have an advantage, the rule specifies that it is the two players involved who are entitled to jump. Allowing any player from either team to jump would not accurately represent the circumstances that led to the tie-up, and designating a player by the coach would undermine the competitive nature of the jump ball, as it takes away from the immediate context of the game.