How Chase Budinger's NBA Gamble Resulted in a Trip to the Olympics
PARIS — The only former NBA player in men’s beach volleyball jogged across the sand and waved as the PA announcer introduced him to the crowd. From the hardcourts of the NBA to Olympic beach volleyball, it’s Chase Budinger. This moment was why Budinger left professional basketball behind six years ago. He wanted to see how far he could go if he focused solely on volleyball for the first time in his life, aiming to achieve his childhood dream of making the Olympics.
Over 32 dominant minutes, Budinger and partner Miles Evans showcased their potential as medal contenders, decisively defeating the French duo Youssef Krou and Arnaud Gauthier-Rat with a score of 21-14, 21-11. The heavily pro-French crowd, initially loud and intimidating, quickly fell silent as Budinger and Evans took control of the match. The only sounds that echoed through Eiffel Tower Stadium were the cheers of Budinger and Evans' family and friends chanting “U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A.”
Budinger's only complaint? The match ended too quickly. “I felt like it went too fast,” he said, wishing for more time to savor the moment he had worked so hard to achieve.
The Decision: Basketball or Volleyball?
Chase Budinger's journey began in high school, where he was recognized for his exceptional talent in both basketball and volleyball. As a freshman at La Costa Canyon High School, he caught the attention of Arizona assistant coach Josh Pastner. Budinger, described as a “true San Diego beach bum,” stood out not just for his laid-back demeanor but for his extraordinary athleticism. His leaping ability was likened to that of a pogo stick, making him a formidable player in both sports.
As Budinger approached the end of high school, he faced a pivotal decision: pursue volleyball, where he had been named Volleyball Magazine’s national player of the year, or basketball, where he shared co-MVP honors with Kevin Durant at the McDonald’s All-American game. Ultimately, he chose basketball, believing it offered a more lucrative and realistic path to success.
For a decade, Budinger focused solely on basketball, achieving significant milestones, including being drafted 44th overall by the Houston Rockets and earning over $18 million in salary. However, injuries eventually curtailed his NBA career, prompting him to revisit his passion for volleyball.
The Olympic Dream
In 2018, Budinger made his debut on the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour, setting a goal to qualify for the Olympics. Despite initial struggles, including a 33rd place finish in his first pro tournament, he remained committed to improving. Over the years, he cycled through partners until he teamed up with Miles Evans, whose experience and skills complemented Budinger’s game.
Their partnership flourished as they trained rigorously, with Budinger bringing a level of professionalism from his NBA days that inspired Evans. Despite skepticism from the beach volleyball community, Budinger and Evans clinched the second U.S. men’s beach volleyball spot for the Paris Olympics, achieving seven top-five finishes in nine qualifying events.
A New Chapter
As Budinger prepares for the Olympics, he reflects on his journey. “Making the Olympics was something I always wanted to do,” he shared, noting that he had never envisioned the Olympic rings in relation to basketball or volleyball until now.
In Paris, Budinger's NBA experience has proven invaluable. He exudes calmness and confidence, traits that have not gone unnoticed by his competitors. As the U.S. men’s basketball team arrives in Paris, Budinger may find familiar faces in the stands, with stars like Durant and LeBron James expressing interest in supporting him.
Chase Budinger’s gamble on his athletic career has led him to the Olympic stage, where he aims to fulfill a dream that has driven him since childhood.