what does a ref think when a player argues or talks?

[Oz Referee]

The first thing that I got taught when starting to play basketball was that the referee is always right - no exception!

Having said that, I personally have no problem with players asking questions - so long as the way they ask them, and when they are asked is appropriate.

Players that are constantly whinging will probably find that any 50/50 call will go against them - this is not a conscious decision by the referee, it is a natural reaction.

On the other side of the coin, sometimes frequent comments/questions can get a call in your favor - it can occassionally highlight something that the referees may not have noticed (they guys camping in the lane, the ball handler pushing off, the centre that blocks shots with his off arm pushing the shooter). But it is a fine line between highlighting and whinging.