Chase Budinger, a notable figure in both basketball and beach volleyball, made history as the first player to compete in the NBA and also participate in an Olympic beach volleyball match. After seven years in the NBA, Budinger transitioned into beach volleyball, showcasing his impressive athleticism and work ethic at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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The Californian native enjoyed a fruitful career in basketball, attending the University of Arizona, where he focused solely on the sport after opting against playing collegiate volleyball. Budinger’s basketball journey culminated in appearances such as the 2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he stunned audiences with creative dunks, including one over music mogul P. Diddy. However, his professional basketball career ended comparatively early in his late twenties, leaving him to seek new athletic adventures.
Interestingly, Budinger had initially engaged in beach volleyball as a recreational endeavour during the off-season of basketball. Despite envisioning the sport as more of a hobby than a profession, he recognised the potential to excel following the conclusion of his basketball career. “Because my basketball career got cut short, I felt that I was still in good enough shape…Let’s make this goal of trying to make the Olympics,” he explained.
In 2018, Budinger began training seriously, pairing with seasoned Olympian Sean Rosenthal to learn the intricacies of beach volleyball. Embracing the challenging transition from a structured basketball environment to the unpredictability of beach volleyball presented new hurdles. Unlike the consistency of an NBA court, volleyball courts are influenced by various factors such as weather conditions, making adaptability crucial. Budinger shared his experience, noting, “Every tournament is different, so you have to adjust on the fly to play your best in all these different types of environments.”
The path to the Olympics was intensely competitive, with Budinger and his partner Miles Evans racing against time to secure a spot in the Games. Their qualification was sealed in a thrilling moment when another U.S. team faced elimination. Budinger recalled the elation of that achievement vividly, remarking on the emotional phone call to his wife, who was moved to tears. However, the excitement quickly waned as they lost their subsequent match, unable to concentrate in the wake of their triumph.
The beach volleyball competition during the Paris Olympics was a surreal experience for Budinger. Despite the primary focus on his sport, he seized the opportunity to reconnect with former basketball acquaintances, including NBA star Steph Curry. Budinger described a memorable boat ride on the Seine with Curry, who contemplated the significance of his Olympic participation.
The competition itself was electrifying. Budinger and Evans faced the French team in their first match, under the pressure of a home crowd fervently singing the national anthem. The atmosphere was overwhelming, with Budinger revealing how the intensity momentarily affected Evans’s serving abilities. Yet despite these challenges, the duo eventually found their rhythm and enjoyed the thrilling support of the American fans.
When the lights dimmed for their evening match, the Eiffel Tower illuminated the backdrop, creating a dazzling visual spectacle that added to the excitement of the occasion. Budinger described the exhilaration of that moment, underscoring the adrenaline rush that accompanied such a grand event. “It was the coolest thing ever. You couldn’t not be hyped,” he stated, reflecting on the unique blend of sport and spectacle.
Despite their valiant efforts, Budinger and Evans finished ninth in the tournament, eliminated by Norway’s reigning champions. However, Budinger remains undeterred as he looks toward the future. Currently competing on the AVP tour, he recently announced a new partnership with Trevor Crabb, setting his sights on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
As a father of two, Budinger expressed renewed determination following his Olympic debut. “After making the Paris Olympics, going for the next one has given me more motivation. I know what the journey looks like and what to expect, and the effort it takes. The goal is to do better,” he affirmed.
Budinger’s remarkable journey from NBA player to Olympic athlete exemplifies a rare transition in the world of sports. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring many in the realms of both basketball and beach volleyball.