Chaim Galbut, a 6‑foot‑7 guard from Miami, has officially committed to the Duquesne University Dukes, bringing a unique blend of elite basketball talent and devout Orthodox Jewish practice to the Division I stage.
The son of a Miami Country Day School graduate, Galbut spent a gap year studying Talmud in Jerusalem before returning to the United States to sharpen his game with JDS Elite and a series of showcase events that turned his highlight reels into viral sensations.
Programs across the country initially balked at offering him a scholarship because of his commitment to Shabbat observance, but Duquesne, a private Catholic institution, responded by reshaping its recruitment timeline and practice schedule to respect his religious obligations.
Now based in Pittsburgh, Galbut structures his days around a rigorous routine: early morning prayers, a full day of classes, afternoon basketball drills, and evening sessions of Talmud study that often extend until midnight.
His teammates and coaching staff have already accommodated his needs, rescheduling a team trip to allow uninterrupted Talmud study and postponing a practice session on Tisha B’av, a day of mourning in the Jewish calendar.
The presence of fellow Orthodox athletes such as Ryan Turell, a former Yeshiva University star now navigating the NBA G League, and Tamir Goodman, a pioneer in Jewish basketball, has provided mentorship and a sense of community for Galbut as he adjusts to college life.
A Historic Goal
Galbut has set his sights on becoming the first observant Orthodox Jewish player to complete a full four‑year tenure in Division I basketball, a milestone he believes could open doors for future athletes who wish to balance faith and sport at the highest level.
Faith Meets the Court
His journey underscores a growing conversation about religious accommodation in collegiate athletics, illustrating how institutions can adapt to diverse cultural practices while still competing at the highest competitive standards.