SAMSUN (FIBA U18 European Championship 2016) - Isaiah Hartenstein is just two victories from one heck of a Christmas present, and the German leader is so thankful that he can compete at the FIBA U18 European Championship 2016 and be on the doorstep of the title.

Germany face off against Lithuania in the Semi-Final with the chance to reach their first-ever U18 Final. Then just one more victory over the winner between Italy and France would send the Germans back home with gold medals around their neck for some holiday cheer.

"That would be the best Christmas present I ever got," Hartenstein said. "I'm really hoping that we win it. And I will do everything in my power so that we do win it."

Hartenstein has been Germany's jack of all trades in Samsun, leading the team in scoring (13.5 ppg), rebounds (10.5 rpg), assists (3.8 apg), steals (1.5 spg) and blocks (2.0 bpg). All this despite not playing with or against any of his teammates since the middle of last season, when Hartenstein moved from Artland Dragons to Zalgiris Kaunas.

"The first games here were really important because I haven't seen most of the guys and it’s me getting used to them and how they play and when something bad happens how they react," he said.

"It’s just so much fun to play. Coming back and playing with Kostja (Mushidi) it's kind of like old times."

Hartenstein actually didn’t play at all for quite some time, missing more than five months with a back injury. He probably was smiling a bit inside when it was announced that the tournament would be postponed from the summer. Otherwise, the 2.13m big man would not have been able to play.

Hartenstein had already missed playing at the 2016 Albert Schweitzer Tournament (AST), which Germany won with nearly the entire team assembled in Samsun.

"It was very frustrating, also when we had  the AST. That was one of the things we wanted to go to. They won and I’m happy for them and proud that we won the tournament," Hartenstein said.

During his time out, Hartenstein did a lot of reflecting and one of the things he decided to do while he was hurt was get a tattoo on his lower right arm - with his birth date 5 May 1998 and the phrase "Make every day your own masterpiece".

"The message is 'don’t take any day for granted'. Do what you love and work hard because someone on the other side is working hard," Hartenstein explained.   

Being in Kaunas with Zalgiris has helped Hartenstein mature. He plays regularly in the Lithuanian LKL and has even made his EuroLeague debut.

"I think I have matured a lot being away and by myself for so long and learning more how to be mature. I really didn’t play so mature the last couple of years. I learned that a lot," Hartenstein said.

A big help in his development has come from Zalgiris' coach, the legendary player Sarunas Jasikevicius.

"Saras helped me a lot to read the game and get my passing back up. I still have way too many turnovers but I am learning and trying to help the team go," the German star added. 

Germany are going strong and still have two tough games but a great Christmas present is just waiting there to be taken.

FIBA