If you’re a 19-year-old during a war, being drafted isn’t good news. If you’re a college basketball player, being drafted is good news. For NIU’s Donnell Thomas, being drafted means the world.

World, in this case, stands for World Basketball League. The Youngstown Pride picked the Huskies’ 6-4 forward in the first round of this weekend’s draft. The WBL is composed entirely of players 6-5 and under.

“It really surprised me,” Thomas said. “(But) I’m very interested in playing for that organization if things work out.”

“This can be a good foundation,” the Huskies’ all-time leading scorer said.

Youngstown coach Bob Patton had a chance to watch Thomas in action several times this season via satellite dish and during the NCAA Tournament.

“He can play the entire game. He’s aggressive and knows the game really well. We’ve sent over 20 guys to the NBA … Donnell could be a great, great player in this league,” Patton said.

Thomas, who capped his stellar career with 1,853 points and 984 rebounds against generally taller foes, would seem to be tailor-made for the 6-5-and-under league. “(Patton) told me a lot of guys come in with big expectations and they’re in for a big smack in the face,” Thomas said. “It’s going to be a big adjustment.”

But the “D-Train,” who was Youngstown’s first pick (seventh overall) in the first round, is ready for the challenge.

“I’ve been lifting weights,” Thomas said, “and playing ball. I’m not in the best shape, but I’m in shape.”