Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their Olympic journey come to an end in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, falling to the Norwegian powerhouse duo of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The defending champions from Norway delivered a commanding performance, dispatching the American team in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
The transition from hardwood to sand has been a unique journey for Chase Budinger. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger began his professional basketball career with the Houston Rockets. He later played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before retiring from basketball in 2017. Despite his successful basketball career, Budinger’s love for beach volleyball brought him back into the competitive sports arena.
Budinger and Evans qualified for the Paris Olympics in June, their ticket punched through an impressive rise in the points rankings. The duo began their Olympic campaign with high hopes, securing an electrifying victory over a French team. However, their momentum was halted by straight-set losses to formidable opponents from the Netherlands and Spain. Despite these setbacks, Budinger and Evans managed to advance by winning the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team, which earned them a spot in the Round of 16.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger remarked on the unique atmosphere of playing in such a prestigious event. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," he said. "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."
The loss to Mol and Sorum, who clinched gold at the Tokyo Games, underscored the level of competition at the Olympics. Nevertheless, Budinger’s inclusion in the Paris Games underscores his versatility and enduring athletic ability.
Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh Keep American Hopes Alive
Amid Budinger and Evans' exit, there was still hope for the U.S. in the men's beach volleyball competition. Another American duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong performance, defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their progression provides a bright spot for American fans and showcases the depth of talent in U.S. beach volleyball.
Beyond Paris: The Road Ahead
For Chase Budinger, the question of what comes next remains open. Reflecting on his future in beach volleyball, he said, "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."
As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draw nearer, anticipation builds for an event that could potentially spotlight athletes like Budinger on home soil. With Santa Monica expected to host the beach volleyball events, the stage is set for future American athletes to make their mark. Budinger, hailing from Carlsbad, California, embodies the spirit of perseverance and adaptability that will inspire many as they look ahead to future competitions.
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports, Chase Budinger's journey from the NBA to the Olympic sands of Paris stands as a testament to the limitless potential of athletes who dare to redefine their paths.