Chase Budinger and Miles Evans's journey in the 2024 Paris Olympics beach volleyball competition came to an end in the Round of 16. The American duo was ousted by Norway's formidable team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who demonstrated their championship pedigree with a commanding performance, winning in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
Chase Budinger: From the NBA to Beach Volleyball
Chase Budinger’s road to the Olympic beach volleyball court is a remarkable tale of athletic versatility. The Carlsbad, Calif. native first gained prominence in a different sport entirely. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger began his professional basketball career with the Houston Rockets. He later donned the jerseys of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before retiring from basketball in 2017.
Budinger's transition from the hardwood to the sand was met with both curiosity and admiration. Alongside his partner Miles Evans, Budinger managed to qualify for the Paris Olympics in June after a steady climb in the points rankings. Their Olympic campaign started on a promising note, clinching a victory over a French duo. However, subsequent matches proved challenging as they faced defeats against strong teams from the Netherlands and Spain.
A Rollercoaster Olympic Campaign
Their path to the Round of 16 wasn't straightforward. After their initial win, Budinger and Evans lost consecutive matches in straight sets, setting up a do-or-die scenario in the "lucky losers" round. In a high-stakes match, they secured their spot in the next round by defeating an Australian team, showcasing resilience and determination.
Their dream journey, however, met an end at the hands of Mol and Sorum. The Norwegian team, known for their exceptional skills, previously secured gold at the Tokyo Games, and their experience was evident as they outplayed Budinger and Evans.
Memorable Moments Under the Eiffel Tower
Reflecting on their Olympic experience, Budinger said, "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure. 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."
Despite the loss, Budinger remains optimistic about the future. Addressing concerns about his athletic longevity, he added, "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."
Looking Forward to Los Angeles 2028
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, provide a potential horizon for both Budinger and Evans. With their experience in Paris serving as a valuable learning curve, they might aim to leverage it for a stronger performance on home ground. For Budinger, the possibility of competing in another Olympics depends largely on his physical condition, yet his spirit and passion for the game clearly remain undiminished.
American Hopes Rest with Partain and Benesh
While Budinger and Evans bowed out, another American men's beach volleyball duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, continue to carry the nation's hopes forward. Partain and Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals with an impressive victory against Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, overcoming them in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18.
Their progression keeps the American flag flying high in the beach volleyball competition, and their performances in the coming matches will be keenly watched by fans and analysts alike.