Budinger chases glory in new sport

Chase Budinger in action during the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SANTA ROSA, Laguna—The court. The ball. The surface beneath his feet. The sun above his head. Everything changed.

And yet, somehow, Chase Budinger managed the transition well.

“I really think it’s just [because of] my work ethic,” the former Houston Rockets wingman in the NBA told reporters on Thursday. “When I switched to beach volleyball, [my work ethic] really helped me out because I was new to the game.”

“I needed to get the reps in, put the extra work in and really put the time in. It took years for me to become the player I am now, but I [owe] a lot [of my success] to my work ethic.”

Professional athletes are lucky to have one dream career in their lives. At 37, Budinger is, well, chasing a second one.

And that journey has led him to Nuvali Sand Courts here, miles and years away from the air-conditioned arenas he used to suit up in. He and new partner Trevor Crabb are taking the first step of their bid to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“Playing at home in front of our country is going to be an amazing feeling,” he said. “That’s the ultimate goal—to get to the Olympics and try to medal there.”

Budinger and Crabb opened their Olympic bid by sweeping Canada’s Luke de Greeff and Tynan Gannett, 21-9, 21-13, in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge here.

“It’s a stepping stone. It’s our first tournament together,” said Budinger. “We’re just trying to get to know each other and get the feel of playing together. We haven’t had many practices yet, so we’re learning on the fly and this is a great tournament for us to do that.”

Budinger has had some success in his new sport. He won gold in the 2023 Haikou Challenge in China and reached the round of 16 in the 2024 Paris Olympics with partner Miles Evans.

“I’ve already been to one Olympics, so now I’m setting the standard a little higher,” he said.

Budinger was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2009 before being traded to the Houston Rockets, where he played until 2012. He also suited up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns.

The California native relished the opportunity to play in the Philippines, a country passionate about both basketball and volleyball.

“I love meeting the fans,” he said. “I know people in the Philippines love basketball. They watch it all the time. I’m sure they’re following the NBA playoffs right now, just like me. I’d love to meet any fans who come out and support us.”