SIOUX FALLS, S.D. >> When Joston Thomas opted to forego his senior year with the Hawaii basketball team, he did so because he wanted to realize a dream of playing in the NBA.

The 6-foot-7 forward got his first taste of what things could be like in the league in mid-May when he participated in a pre-draft combine with Brooklyn.

“It was a good experience, just being around NBA players,” Thomas said. “I did OK. I didn’t shoot very well. They told me to work on my perimeter game and to get to the basket. They showed me when to pull up, when to shoot the 3 and stuff like that.”

A big part of his adjustment is going from power forward, where he played in his two seasons at UH, to the three, a position where NBA brass see him as a better fit than at the four. His time in Brooklyn jump-started that process, as the Nets coaches taught him the basics of how to be a successful wing player in the league.

Thomas didn’t hear his name called on draft night in June but quickly returned to the gym, dividing his time among California, New York and Washington, D.C., as he prepared for his next opportunity. That opportunity recently materialized when he received a training camp invite from Sioux Falls of the NBA Development League or D-League.

The Skyforce are affiliated with Miami, Minnesota, Orlando and Philadelphia, but NBA call-ups from the D-League don’t start until January. So until then, this young swingman is doing all he can to ensure he receives one of those coveted call-ups.

“It’s cool. It’s a great opportunity for me to keep building and developing and getting to where I want to be at the end of the day, which is the NBA,” Thomas said. “It’s a lot different from college because of the spacing and stuff like that. The plays are a little different because there’s a lot more movement. You have to be smart. I’m thankful for the opportunity Sioux Falls has given me.”

When he left UH in the spring, some thought he might head overseas if he didn’t land in the NBA. And while that’s a route the young forward contemplated, he believes his best shot is in the D-League.

“I think the overseas thing is a very good opportunity if you’re into that. I just personally feel more comfortable being in the United States,” Thomas said. “I wouldn’t want to go overseas, build my European status and just play overseas for the rest of my life. It’s been a childhood dream to play in the NBA. The D-League is the most scouted league that can get you to the NBA. I just wanted to try my hand here rather than going overseas.”

Catching the eye of NBA scouts is his primary focus, but to do that he needs to learn the nuances of a new position. He remains undaunted and knows he’s more than up to the challenge.

“I just have to stay focused, learn how to play the position, understand the defensive principles,” Thomas said. “I just need to remember those key things on defense. The work ethic has always been there. I like working hard and getting better every day. It’s a blessing to have the same work ethic and have the opportunity that I’ve been given here so far.”