Why calling players ‘TRASH’ misses the point

Written by Will Johnson June 17, 2025 

Every year, high school gyms fill with young hoopers who dream of playing college or even professional basketball. They grind, they train, and they talk. A lot. And somewhere in the middle of that locker room chatter or sideline banter, you’ll hear someone call a college or NBA player “trash.”

😬 “I Could Beat Him One-on-One”

No, you couldn’t.

You could maybe score on him if:

• He had one arm.

• Was blindfolded.

• Was playing on a torn ACL.

• Forgot he was in a game.

Even then… still 50/50.

Let’s talk about that.

The Gap is Bigger Than You Think

If you’re a standout in your high school, congrats—you’re probably in the top 1% of players at your school. But to play NCAA basketball, you need to be in the top 1% of that 1%. And to make the NBA? You’re now talking about one of the best 400 players in the entire world. That’s rarified air. We’re talking about athletes who live in the gym, eat with discipline, study film, have elite mental toughness, and play against the best night in and night out. Brian Scalabrine, a NBA VET, once said, ” I’m closer to Lebron than you are” and you know what, he’s absolutely correct.

They’re Not Just “Good”—They’re Machines

College and pro players aren’t just good. They’re consistent. They’re mentally sharp. They’re physically resilient. They play through pain, through pressure, and under bright lights with millions watching. Calling a player “trash” because they had a bad shooting night or missed a defensive rotation isn’t just disrespectful—it reveals how little people understand what goes into performing at that level.

You Think You Could Do Better?

Let’s be honest: most people throwing shade from the bleachers couldn’t last five minutes in a Division I practice, let alone an NBA game. It’s easy to criticize from a couch or the top row of the gym. But if you’ve never had to defend a 6’6″ guard who can shoot, dribble, and dunk on you all in one possession, maybe keep the insults in check. I tell kids all the time who have dreams of going to play college ball, go watch one DIVISION 1 PRACTICE and you’ll see you’re not ready. I played at Stephen F. Austin State University, and on my first day of practice, I literally thought I was going to die.

Talk the Talk, But Respect the Craft

This isn’t about silencing trash talk—it’s part of the game. But there’s a big difference between competitive confidence and blind disrespect. Be passionate. Compete hard. Want to be better than the players ahead of you. But do it with the humility to know how far the climb really is.

Final Word

Basketball is more than a game—it’s a craft. And those who reach the top levels have dedicated their lives to it. Before you call someone “trash,” ask yourself: are you even in the same arena? Literally or figuratively?

Respect the grind, respect the game. Just know #EVERYBODYCAN’TDOTHIS.