Chase Budinger: From NBA to Olympic Beach Volleyball
A Basketball Player's Journey to the Olympics
Early Life and Basketball Career
Chase Andrew Budinger, born May 22, 1988, is an American athlete who has made a successful transition from professional basketball to Olympic beach volleyball. Born in Encinitas, California, Budinger was a standout basketball player in high school and went on to play for the University of Arizona.
In 2010, Budinger was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the 36th overall pick in the NBA draft. He played in the NBA for seven seasons, with stints with the Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets. Throughout his basketball career, Budinger averaged 6.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Transition to Beach Volleyball
In 2017, Budinger retired from the NBA and turned his focus to beach volleyball. He teamed up with partner Casey Patterson and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2021, the duo won the bronze medal at the FIBA Beach Volleyball World Championships, securing Budinger's spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Olympic Debut
Budinger's transition to beach volleyball has been a remarkable achievement. Despite having no prior experience in the sport, he has proven to be a talented and determined competitor. As he prepares for his Olympic debut, Budinger will be looking to make a splash in Paris and add to his impressive athletic resume.
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