Chase Budinger, a former NBA player with seven seasons under his belt, is making headlines once again—not on the basketball court, but on the sandy beaches of Paris. After stints with the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns, Budinger hung up his basketball shoes in 2017, only to embark on a new athletic adventure.
Never having represented the United States in Olympic basketball, Budinger is now set to don his country's colors in the beach volleyball event at the 2024 Paris Summer Games. \"It's such an honor to be able to represent the country of the United States,\" the 36-year-old athlete shared with CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi. Transitioning from basketball to beach volleyball wasn't a walk on the beach. Budinger emphasized the hard work and dedication required to master a sport that was entirely new to him. \"I've been so grateful, and a lot of gratitude towards that, because now I can officially say I'm an Olympian,\" he added.
Budinger's basketball career highlights include impressive performances at the University of Arizona and La Costa Canyon High School. Standing at 2.01 meters, he played as a forward, primarily serving as a role player during his NBA tenure. His athleticism, a key asset on the court, has proven invaluable in his new volleyball pursuits.
However, the switch wasn't seamless. Budinger described the challenges of adapting to beach volleyball, where each tournament presents different environmental conditions. \"Some tournaments you could play in a lot of wind, some it could be raining, some it could be really cold, some it could be super hot and humid,\" he explained. Mastering the art of controlling the ball and his body's response to varying elements has been a rigorous journey.
The beach volleyball events at Paris 2024 will take place from July 27 to August 10, set against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Budinger couldn't contain his excitement about the venue. \"It is absolutely spectacular. It's probably the best venue I've ever played in,\" he remarked. Practicing there, he found the experience surpassing even the stunning photographs.
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Former NBA player switches to beach volleyball at Paris Summer Games
cgtn.com
