Chase Budinger's Olympic Journey: From the NBA Hardwood to the Beach Volleyball Courts
The 2024 Paris Olympics have been nothing short of spectacular, hosting athletes from diverse sporting realms. Among them, Chase Budinger, a former NBA player turned beach volleyball competitor, has captured the attention of both basketball and volleyball fans alike. Budinger, alongside his partner Miles Evans, advanced to the Round of 16 before encountering a formidable challenge against the defending champions from Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
In their Round of 16 match, Budinger and Evans were defeated in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14. Despite their elimination, their journey to the Olympics and the moments they experienced in Paris have been nothing short of remarkable.
A Transition from the NBA to Beach Volleyball
Chase Budinger's athletic career began on the basketball court. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger initially donned the Houston Rockets jersey before a trade in 2012 led him to the Minnesota Timberwolves. His professional basketball journey also saw stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns before he decided to retire in 2017. Following his basketball career, Budinger found a new passion in beach volleyball, teaming up with Miles Evans to carve out a new path in the sport.
Their entry into the Paris Olympics was secured in June, driven by a consistent climb up the points rankings. Their Olympic campaign started on a high note with a victory over a French duo, the home favorites. However, subsequent matches proved challenging as they faced defeats against teams from the Netherlands and Spain, both in straight sets. Despite these setbacks, they advanced to the "lucky losers" round, where a win against an Australian team secured their spot in the Round of 16.
Memorable Moments Under the Eiffel Tower
At 36, Chase Budinger has experienced a myriad of sports arenas, but the atmosphere of the Paris Olympics left an indelible mark on him.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure. My first couple of matches, stepping onto the court with 12,000 people cheering... it was just an incredible atmosphere," Budinger remarked, reflecting on his Olympic experience. Playing beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower added a magical touch to the already electric ambiance of the games.
The opportunity to represent his country on such a grand stage, in a different sport, was a testament to Budinger's versatility and dedication as an athlete.
Looking Ahead to More Olympic Moments
Miles Evans and Chase Budinger's stint in Paris might have concluded sooner than they'd hoped, but there's no doubt they left a lasting impression. As Budinger reflected on his future, he acknowledged the physical demands that come with being an elite athlete. "I'll be old as dirt. I've always said it's really up to my body. And I take it year by year of how my body's feeling. Right now, I can say my body's been feeling great," he shared.
Eyes are already turning towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, which could see Budinger and Evans taking another shot at Olympic glory on home soil. Their perseverance and passion for beach volleyball continue to inspire upcoming athletes and fans.
Other American Success Stories
The American presence in the beach volleyball competition was not solely centered on Budinger and Evans. Another duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, advanced to the quarterfinals, demonstrating the strength and depth of U.S. beach volleyball talent. Their victory over Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, winning 21-17, 21-18, became a highlight for American supporters in Paris.
While Chase Budinger and Miles Evans' journey ended in the Round of 16, their participation represents an extraordinary chapter in Olympic history. Transitioning from the NBA hardwood to the sands of beach volleyball, Budinger has showcased his athletic adaptability and resilience. The Paris Olympics may have seen their exit, but the memories and moments created will linger, much like the lights of the Eiffel Tower under which they competed.