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, 31^st 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.

Latvia's women are in Beijing, China, playing at the Olympics for the first time.

Don't be surprised if they becoming regulars in the competition, especially when considering the success of the country's youth teams like the under-18s this summer in Skopje, FYR Macedonia.

Belgium overcame Slovenia and Latvia whipped Greece to reach the final of the U18 European Championship Women Division B in Skopje.

The triumphs also clinched promotion for the teams to Division A for next year's event.