Swedish basketball enjoyed one of its finest and most important moments two years ago when the country claimed an unexpected bronze medal at the U18 European Championship for Women. 

In a country where football and ice hockey normally grab most of the headlines, the success put hoops in the limelight and helped the women's game build some much-needed momentum.

A record 223 teams from 50 national federations have entered the FIBA Europe Youth competitions for 2008.

The dates of the FIBA Europe Youth Championships for the coming year were decided during the Central Board meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, November 10-11.