Chase Budinger was born on May 22, 1988 in Encinitas, California. Chase Budinger prepped at La Costa Canyon High School, where he earned a total of eight letters. He was named San Diego County male Athlete of the Year by the San Diego Union-Tribune for his exploits in both basketball and volleyball. He became co-MVP of the 2006 McDonald’s High School All-American game. He averaged 34 points, 11 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.0 steals as a senior in leading LCCHS to the CIF Regional championship. In addition, Budinger won the 2006 Mizuno National High School Volleyball Player of the Year award.
As a three year starter for the Arizona Wildcats, Chase Budinger became just the sixth sophomore to achieve more than 1,000 career points and had 86 games in double figures through his three seasons as a Wildcat. As a Freshman, Budinger was the 2007 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year.
Budinger was selected by the Houston Rockets in the 2009 NBA Draft.