Chase Budinger, a former NBA player known for his time on the hardwood, has secured a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, but this time, he’s competing on the sand. Alongside his partner Miles Evans, Budinger will be one of the two men’s beach volleyball teams representing the United States at this summer’s games.
Their qualification came after competitors Trevor Crabb and Theo Brunner were unable to earn enough points at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour event held in Ostrava, Czechia. Chase Budinger, who made his debut on the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) Tour in 2018, is now set for a chance to claim an Olympic gold in beach volleyball.
Budinger’s athletic career began on the basketball court. During his college years at the University of Arizona, he shined, playing three seasons and earning first-team All-Pac-12 honours in the 2008–09 season by averaging 18 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
The Detroit Pistons selected Budinger as the 44th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, but he was immediately traded to the Houston Rockets on draft night. Budinger’s NBA career saw him spend three years with the Rockets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. He later played for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, wrapping up his professional basketball career in 2017.
Transitioning from the fast-paced world of professional basketball to the sandy courts of beach volleyball, Budinger has made a significant shift in his athletic journey, culminating in his qualification for the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
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