The Art of Talking Trash

White Men Can't Jump may have popularized the art of talking trash on the basketball court, but it has been part of the game for a long time. We asked a group of WNBA players whether they like to make noise when they're lighting up an opponent on the court. Below are the best responses:

DO YOU TALK TRASH ON THE COURT?

"I don't really talk any trash but if you talk trash to me, I will definitely respond. It might be in my game... or maybe in a look. But that's pretty much it. I've been talked-trash-to a lot. That's just motivation for me. I'm one of those players who you won't want to get started with in that area because you will make me better. It's not about making me angry, but it's disrespecting me, and there is no reason for that because I'm sure I didn't disrespect you. It will make me focus more and step up my game more. You're better off leaving me alone and I think most players and coaches know that." — Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks

"I have been known to talk a little noise every now and then. We had a lot of rivalries down at Texas, so it just depended on who we're playing. But there's a point you don't want to cross. You don't want to be too rude to the point where people just have hate toward you, so you have to do it in a nice way." — Tiffany Jackson, New York Liberty

"I might do a little 'And one!' every now and then or scream a bit and pump my fist (laughs)… (in a soft, baby-like voice) but I'm nice about it. If it's a good game and the score is within a 10-point margin and you hit an and-one, and it's OK to talk a little trash. But if you're up 30 or 40, it's kind of pointless. Same if you're down 30 or 40. Don't talk trash then." — Chrissy Givens, Phoenix Mercury

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. The only people I talk trash to are the people I know. I just like to show my game. If I hit a 3, I might look at my teammates, but I would never go one on one with anybody, because I'd fear for my life." — Armintie Price, Chicago Sky

"Yeah, right. I'm the last person who's going to do that. I'm more like the person who if they call a foul on the player (guarding me), I'm like, 'Oh no, are you alright?' No way, I can't talk trash. I don't even know how to be mean. I try sometimes to sound all hard, but my teammates just laugh at me. I try, but I really can't do it." — Eshaya Murphy, Minnesota Lynx

"I don't talk trash unless someone else is talking. But if they do, I'm not afraid to reciprocate." — Katie Gearlds, Seattle Storm

"I don't like to call it 'talking trash.' I just like to get emotionally involved and get inside someone's head on the court. That's what I like to do. I just love to have fun. I don't want to be disrespectful or anything like that. I just love to out there and have fun playing. If I can get inside your head, then that's great! It's to our advantage!" — Ivory Latta, Detroit Shock

"I'm not a really big trash-talker. I show things with my actions. If you don't think I can beat you, well, I'm going to show you." — Stephanie Raymond, Chicago Sky

"(Laughs.) No, I used to, but now I take more of a show-'em-what-I-got approach. But still, there are times when I get mad and I'll talk a little trash. If we're losing by a lot, I won't be saying anything, but it's a challenge for me to (keep from responding) when someone talks trash to me." — Bernice Mosby, Washington Mystics

"No, I don't do it, but when people are confident or having a good night, then get them the ball. Have fun with it." — Kendra Wecker, San Antonio Silver Stars

"I couldn't get away with it in college. (My) coach wouldn't have it. But I did it in high school a couple of times, but I always got in trouble. For me, it's always about playing the game now." — Lyndsey Medders, Indiana Fever

"Nope. I can't. I think I'm too nice. I'll say I'm sorry to someone if I knock them down." —Noelle Quinn, Minnesota Lynx

"Not really. I'm not a trash talker. I might mess around with people I know and joke around, but during the game I'm not really a big talker." — Katie Smith, Detroit Shock

"I don't think there is anything wrong with (talking trash) to a limit, but that's not really a part of my game. I personally think it's a waste of energy to sit there and talk. But if someone starts talking to me first or is really annoying me, I might say something here and there." — Temeka Johnson, Los Angeles Sparks

"Not really. Only if someone is talking to me, then I'll talk back." — Kamesha Hairston, Connecticut Sun

"Never. Your game speaks for itself. I don't feel the need to say anything." — Kiera Hardy, Connecticut Sun

Photos: NBAE/Getty Images