Entering DICK’S Nationals as an underdog? Playing against the tournament’s No. 1 seed in the first round? Getting back into the groove after some time off? No problem. Wasatch Academy head coach Curtis Condie and his players are embracing it each step of the way.

This is will not be easy. Then again, when it comes to this tournament, it never is. These are some of the best teams in the country. Yet, the Tigers are definitely part of that conversation, too.

After playing a tough national schedule, nationally ranked Wasatch Academy, sitting at 24-4 and the tournament’s No. 8 seed, is back in the gym, gearing up for a potential title run.

There is some familiarity with the opponent, too. It was just last January the Tigers went on the road and beat La Lumiere School (IN).

Will it happen again? The world will find out March 30 at Christ The King High School, but Condie is confident his squad will be ready.

Coach, when did you know you would be invited to DICK’S Nationals once again?

“It was last Wednesday. We knew we were in for sure right before they announced.”

What was that reaction like?

“We were told there was a possibility leading up to that. Our guys were on spring break. That was the same thing last year. But we were ecstatic to hear. We are all excited.”

What has life been like for this team since you ended the regular season and this long gap between games?

“Our regular season ended and then we were on spring break for two weeks. So, we are just now getting back and trying to figure it out because we’re trying to get back into shape.”

How big of a challenge is it to go from some lengthy time off to getting back to playing at a high level?

“We’ll see. We’ve got a few more days to get back, but our guys, they work hard and they get along with each other so if you got those two things then I think things will work out.”

What do you like about this team in particular?

“That they like one another. They like one another. They genuinely like one another as they are friends on and off the court. They look out for each other. And, they enjoy competing.”

What has been like this season going through the grind of a national schedule and having to get some wins?

“I think in a way it’s been tough because we’ve played on both coasts. I don’t know if a lot of teams have done that. These guys don’t make excuses. We just show up and go.”

What kind of opportunity do you feel this team has with its opening-round game against top-seeded La Lumiere School (IN)?

“We get to play against the No. 1 seed. I mean, you’re going to have to play against the No. 1 seed probably to win the whole thing anyway so why don’t we just do it right away?”

In watching film, what do you see about the Lakers?

“They’re big. They’re long. They’re athletic. And they’re well coached. So that’s a combination that you just cannot show up and expect to win.”

What are the keys then to pull off the “upset” in this game?

“I think the biggest thing is we have to compete and appreciate the opportunity of playing against a high-caliber team like them. I think that’s the biggest thing. We’ve got to compete. Of course, you have to score more points than them, but I think we’re going to have to execute offensively and executive defensively. Both of those things.

“We’re still trying to develop our game plan and see what works best for our guys as far as what’s the best way of going about it. And we’ve got a little bit of time because these first few days, it’s about getting back into shape and getting back to the basics. But in the long run, it may help us.”

What does this type of tournament do for the program?

“Well, the fact that this is now two years in a row, we’re at least in the same sentence as these top programs with a lot of tradition. You’ve got to remember we’re the new kids on the block. We’re Wichita State, we’re Middle Tennessee, but we’re in the same name as all of those other programs.”

Does your team and you personally embrace that underdog role, that mid-major-type role in this comparison, and just go compete and get after it?

“I think so. I think that’s a good way of putting it. We want to play angry.”