From NBA player to Beach Volley Ball Star: The Story of Chase Budinger

Chase Budinger had a productive NBA career, and made a total of 18 million dollars from it. His best season came with the Houston Rockets, where he posted 9.6 points per game, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and shot 40.2% from beyond the arc. However, the NBA wasn't enough for Chase Budinger, as he is now playing for team USA's volleyball team! So how did he get here? When Chase was in high school, he was a multi-sport athlete as he played volley ball and basketball. He recieved offers from powerhouse volleyball programs such as UCLA and USC, but he ultimately decided to play basketball for the University of Arizona. In his freshman year of college he averaged 15.6 ppg for the Arizona Wildcats and was speculated to be picked early in the NBA draft. However, Budinger decided to return to college for his sophmore season, where he averaged 17 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Budinger was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 44th pick in the NBA draft. However, he was later traded to the Houston Rockets on draft night. During NBA offseasons, Budinger played beach volleyball, with stars such as Blake Griffin and Steve Nash. After having a productive NBA career with the Rockets, Timberwolves, Pacers, and Suns, Budinger decided to retire in 2017. In 2018, Chase Budinger joined the association of volleyball professionals. Budinger partnered up with Sean Rosenthal and won rookie of the year in 2018. In 2019, he played with Casey Patterson and won the AVP(association of volleyball players) title in Hermosa. He was also honored as the leagues most improved player that same year. During, the olympics qualifier, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans secured the final spot on the United States beach volleyball team for the 2024 summer olympics. Budinger and Evans started their opening game in style, winning against France. Budinger also reunited with his old NBA friends, Kevin Durant, Lebron James, and Stephen Curry. Budinger and Evans recently lost to Netherlands, and will be playing Spain next. Budingers story is nothing short of inspring and is a testament to his perseverance and detirmination.