It was cold outside but the thoughts of the European basketball community were on the summer this afternoon in Freising, Germany where the draw was held for the 2009 FIBA Europe Youth Competitions.
Officials from across the continent gathered to learn the path their youth national teams will take if they hope to grace the medal podium at this summer's youth championships.
The draw for FIBA Europe's 2009 Youth Competitions will take place this Saturday, 31st January in Freising, Germany.
The draw will determine the groups for the 14 men's and women's youth tournaments that will take place this summer across Europe. That total consists of six A Division championships, six B Division championships and two C Division championships, both at the U18 level.
Spain returned to supremacy at the Termosteps U16 European Championship Women, finishing their undefeated run in Katowice with a 71-59 victory over surprise outfit Italy in the gold medal match.
The Spaniards collected their fifth U16 title and fourth in five years by coming back from a 22-point second quarter deficit with Queralt Casas leading the way with 25 points, nine rebounds, two assists and six steals.
Sweden's Farhiya Abdi was named Most Valuable Player of the Termosteps U16 European Championship Women despite losing in the semi-finals against eventual champions Spain in Katowice.
The 16-year-old forward/center averaged 17.1 points and 11.5 rebounds - both second-best figures at the tournament - as well as 2.9 assists and 1.9 steals in helping Sweden to fourth place - the nation's best ever U16 showing.
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