It's not often we see an athlete switch to an Olympic sport and do well. Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf tried to qualify in the 100 meters but failed in 10.36 seconds. Former NFL wide receiver Devon Allen was once selected to the Olympic track and field team, so it's not all that unlikely. On Wednesday, a former NBA player was named to the U.S. team for the 2024 Paris Olympics in an entirely different sport.
Former Houston Rockets winger Chase Budinger has been selected to the Olympic Beach Volleyball Team. Budinger and teammate Miles Evans will compete for a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Watch Budinger's reaction to being selected to the Olympic team here. The video is filled with pure joy.
Former Arizona State basketball star Chase Budinger has secured the final spot on the U.S. Olympic beach volleyball roster.
Budinger and teammate Miles Evans are heading to Paris this summer!
(Tape media/IG) pic.twitter.com/rS7Spvc4OK
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) June 5, 2024
Budinger was a standout player in both volleyball and basketball when he graduated from high school in California in 2006. He chose basketball and was named a five-star McDonald's All-American freshman and committed to the University of Arizona. After three seasons, Budinger entered the 2009 NBA Draft and was selected in the second round.
Budinger retired from professional basketball in 2017 and has since played professional beach volleyball on the AVP Tour. In high school, Budinger was an outstanding beach volleyball player, earning national player of the year honors in 2006 and also being named MVP of the Junior Olympic Volleyball Tournament.
Budinger was once a big dunker in the NBA and now uses his leaping ability to play for the U.S. beach volleyball team.
Budinger will be showcasing her volleyball skills in Paris this summer and hopes to bring home a gold medal.
