Chase Budinger's unique athletic journey saw another chapter as he and his teammate Miles Evans were halted in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympics beach volleyball competition. Despite a spirited effort, the duo were outmatched by Norway's defending champions Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, losing in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
A Transition from the Courts to the Sand
Budinger, who was selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, initially showcased his talents on the hardwood. His professional basketball career began with the Houston Rockets and included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns. In 2017, Budinger retired from professional basketball, a move that would eventually lead him to a new passion—beach volleyball.
The Road to Paris
Budinger and Evans' path to the Paris Olympics was a story of perseverance and ambition. The pair qualified for the Games in June, climbing the points rankings to secure their place among the elite. Their Olympic campaign kicked off with promise as they triumphed over a French duo. However, their momentum was dampened by successive losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain, both in straight sets.
Despite the setbacks, Budinger and Evans demonstrated resilience. They managed to advance through the "lucky losers" round with a victory over an Australian team, earning their spot in the Round of 16.
Facing the Defending Champions
In the knockout stage, Budinger and Evans faced a formidable challenge in Mol and Sorum, who had previously clinched gold at the Tokyo Games. The Norwegian pair showcased their championship pedigree, securing a convincing win and ending the American duo's Olympic run.
A Storied Atmosphere
For Budinger, the Olympic experience was filled with unforgettable moments. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected. "My first couple of matches, stepping onto the court with 12,000 people cheering ... it was just an incredible atmosphere. Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling -- you can't replicate these type of memories that we'll have."
Looking Forward
Budinger's athletic prowess has allowed him to adapt and excel in two distinct sports. He continues to assess his future in beach volleyball with a pragmatic approach. "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 commented.
Americans Shine Elsewhere
While Budinger and Evans' journey ended in the Round of 16, another American men's beach volleyball duo saw success in Paris. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their progress adds a silver lining to American representation in the sport at these Games.
As the world looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, potentially set in Santa Monica, there remains hope and excitement for American beach volleyball. Reflecting on the progress of athletes like Budinger, the sport continues to draw talent from diverse athletic backgrounds, enriching its competitive landscape.
Chase Budinger's transition from NBA star to Olympic beach volleyball player exemplifies the dynamic journeys athletes can undertake. Despite the early exit in Paris, his story continues to inspire, highlighting the essence of perseverance and passion in the realm of sports.