A Unique Path in College Basketball
Chaim Galbut, a 6‑foot‑7 Miami native, is set to begin his Division I career with the Duquesne University Dukes this fall, bringing a rare blend of athletic promise and religious commitment to the hardwood.
Raised in a family that observes Shabbat, Galbut turned down several college programs that scheduled games on the holy day, a decision that initially left him without a scholarship offer despite a standout high‑school career at Miami Country Day School.
After a gap year studying Talmud at a Jerusalem yeshiva and honing his game with JDS Elite, a viral highlight reel caught the eye of Duquesne assistant coach Chase Goldstein, who championed Galbut’s recruitment despite the logistical challenges his observance presented.
Galbut now structures his days around prayer, study and practice, rising before dawn for morning services, attending classes, and dedicating afternoons to basketball drills before returning to evening Torah study, a routine that reflects his dual pursuit of athletic and spiritual growth.
Mentors such as Ryan Turell and Tamir Goodman have guided him, while coaches and teammates have accommodated his schedule by rescheduling team trips and adjusting practice times, illustrating a supportive environment that values both faith and competition.
If he completes his four‑year eligibility, Galbut aims to become the first observant Orthodox Jewish player to achieve that milestone, a milestone he describes as the culmination of a lifelong dream that intertwines his love for basketball with his deep commitment to Jewish learning.