Brandon Spearman is a 24 year old 190cm guard playing his second season in Germany in the Pro A for the Gladiators Trier. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Dayton(NCAA) where he played 36 NCAA games. He then moved to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) and finished his last two seasons at Hawaii (NCAA) and as a senior played 26 games averaging 11.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 52.8%. As a rookie last season in Germany he played for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 64.0%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 72-65 win against the Finke Baskets.

Congrats Brandon on the 72-65 win against the Finke Baskets. After taking a step back from scoring in the second and third quarter where Trier scored 25 points, you found your team scoring touch in the fourth making 28 points. What adjustments did the team make in the fourth quarter?

Well we did a little adjusting not a lot. We was down heading into the 4th. So we had to make plays and that’s what we did to turn the game around. It was a tough win in a great environment. We stuck together and came out with the win.

The Gladiators Trier were trailing up to mid way in the fourth quarter, but how key were the back to back three pointers from German Benedikt Breilling and yourself?

Bene is a great shooter and he always makes big shots when we need them. Bene is one the best shooters in the ProA. We have a well rounded team anybody can hit big shots when it’s needed as you can see with my 3’s and bene 3’s but anyone on this team is capable of doing the same.

The Gladiators Trier closed out the game with a strong 6-0 run as the team hit clutch free throws. What was key on the defensive end for you to stifle Paderbron in the last minute closing out the game the way you did?

On the defense end we wanted to maintain that pressure on them. Our defense converted into some really good offense.

How satisfying was it winning a close game after losing the first two games by a combined score of seven points?

It feels great, winning is always great doesn’t matter if we win by 1 or 50. The last two previous games were toughf games that we could of won. The ball just didn’t drop for us. But it’s okay it’s early in the season and we will see those teams again also will be ready it’s a long season.

The Gladiators Trier are 2-2, but could be 4-0. What expectations do you have of this team? The Pro A is very competitive, but what can the team achieve?

We have high expectations. Reaching the playoffs in and reaching ProA finals that’s what we aiming for and everyone on this teams have the same expectations.

The playoffs are a good possibility, but is a title a reach this season?

Playoff is definitely something we expecting towards the end of the year. Like I said we have high expectations here in Trier. We have what it takes to make a great run in this league for the title.

After the first two loses, how do you feel has the team improved over the last two weeks?

Those losses are just motivation for the next game. We have been improving every week and it’s just going to continue. Marco is a great coach and he will have us ready.

After four games young German Benedikt Breilling leads the team with 9 three pointers. Do you see him taking on even more of a scoring role as the season progresses?

Well Bene is a great shooter like I said he also can create for himself. Anything is possible Bene is a hard working player.

You were top scorer with 21 points and have scored in double figures in all four games. You seemed to have had no problems adjusting. What has been the biggest change coming from the Pro B to the Pro A?

I’m still learning and wanting to get better every year. Having the role to lead had always been something I’m comfortable with I’m just going to keep leading and let the game come to me. Well I feel I can play at any level. I’m still learning and coach Marco is doing a great job at teaching me.

The team has some talented Americans, a few experienced Germans and the rest younger inexperienced Germans. Do you see yourself as the main go to guy and leader or a guy that wants to share this with guys like Dwayne Evans, Eric Anderson and Kevin Smit?

We have a great team here in Trier we have younger guys and also experienced guys. Dwayne and Eric are big contributors to the team and we need them to play big minutes for us. So on with the rest of the team Kev, Alex, Simone when they get healthy. All are great leaders that played in enough games to lead and help us get to the post season.

After four games you know that every week will be a hard challenge on the court. What things are you working extra on after practice on your game that will help you get even more potent on the court?

Coach is always going to get us ready for the next opponent. Every day we workout. I’m doing my same routine every week. Individual work, extra shots, weights. I like that same routine. But I’m working hard every day like its still the summer and that’s what’s I love. It’s always good to have to that extra edge on my opponent.

Derrick Rose is injured again. It seems like there is a curse on him. Do you ever see him playing through a season?

Derrick Rose is going to be just fine injuries are part of the game. People need to let up on him. He is a great player. He is a former MVP of the NBA this guy can straight ball. I see him playing a lot this season and him helping my Bulls get to the eastern finals and hopefully to the NBA finals. So he’s going to be fine. I’m expecting him to have a great season.

After coming from the flat area of Wedel, you now live in the pretty hilly area of Trier. What do you like most about your new home?

Wedel was a great town but I am loving everything here Trier not one thing I don’t like about this place.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Mad Max.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.