Former NBA player Chase Budinger has transitioned successfully to beach volleyball, marking his Olympic debut with a win alongside partner Miles Evans against a French duo in Paris. Budinger, who enjoyed a seven-year NBA career, was once a two-sport high school star in basketball and volleyball. He chose to focus on basketball in college but returned to volleyball post-retirement, driven by a lifelong dream to be an Olympian. His journey has been marked by a mix of excitement and nostalgia, highlighted by a chance encounter with LeBron James. Despite being seen as underdogs, Budinger and Evans aim to make a significant impact on the Olympic stage. Their victory under the Eiffel Tower showcases Budinger's adaptability and enduring athletic prowess.