Ex-NBA player Chase Budinger enjoys return to PH for Beach Pro Tour

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

SANTA ROSA, Laguna —Former NBA player Chase Budinger relished the opportunity to compete once again in the basketball-and volleyball-crazy Philippines, leading Team USA in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge here.

In his second visit to the country as a member of the USA national beach volleyball team, Budinger made an impressive debut with new partner Trevor Crabb, sweeping Canada’s Luke de Greeff and Tynan Gannett, 21-9, 21-13, on Thursday to open the main draw.

WATCH: Former NBA player Chase Budinger talks about his experience in the #BeachProTour Nuvali Challenge. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/txeQbGyCCB

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“It’s great. I’ve been here once during the Olympic run. I love the tournament, it was amazing, so I was happy to be able to come back again,” said Budinger. “I love how the people are really nice, the accommodation’s amazing, so I love playing here. Maybe I wish it wasn’t so hot, but besides that, everything’s great.”

Budinger knows Filipinos are passionate about basketball and has also learned how much the country embraces volleyball.

“I love to meet them. I know people in the Philippines love their basketball. They watch it all the time. I bet they’re rooting on the NBA playoffs right now same as me, as much as I can. I love to meet any fans if they come in and show up,” the ex-NBA player said.

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

Budinger also acknowledged the challenge posed by the Philippine heat.

“It’s good. It’s high-level competition. With this heat, you know it’s gonna play a mental factor in this tournament. We really just need to dig deep, not let the heat get to you very much. We can play a little bit more consistent. So it’s gonna be a little different type of tournament because of those dynamics,” he added.

The 6-foot-6 Budinger, who played in the NBA from 2009 to 2016, transitioned to beach volleyball and has since become a regular on the Team USA World Tour circuit, highlighted by a gold medal in the 2023 Haikou Challenge in China.

Now 37, Budinger is looking to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles with Crabb. He played in the Paris Games.

“It was a good first win. I feel like we played really calm, in control. I think the most dangerous part about me and Trevor is just our consistency and not making too many errors. That’s kinda what you saw in there in our first match,” Budinger said.