Chase Budinger

Chase Budinger: From NBA to Olympic Beach Volleyball Star

Early Life and Basketball Career

Chase Andrew Budinger was born on May 22, 1988. He began playing basketball at an early age and quickly became one of the most promising young prospects in the country. Budinger attended the University of Arizona, where he was named a two-time All-American. He was drafted into the NBA by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft. Budinger spent six seasons in the NBA, playing for the Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 7.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game during his NBA career.

Transition to Beach Volleyball

After retiring from the NBA in 2017, Budinger decided to pursue a career in beach volleyball. He quickly found success, winning his first international tournament in 2018. In 2021, he and his partner, Sean Rosenthal, qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

Olympic Debut

Budinger and Rosenthal made their Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. They finished in ninth place, but Budinger's performance was impressive nonetheless. He was named to the All-Olympic Team and was praised for his athleticism and skill.

Future Outlook

Budinger is now one of the top beach volleyball players in the world. He is ranked among the top 10 in the FIVB World Rankings and is a favorite to medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.