Chaim Galbut to play Division I basketball at Duquesne University

Chaim Galbut, a 6-foot-7 forward from Miami, is set to join the Duquesne University men’s basketball team as an observant Orthodox Jewish athlete. Galbut’s commitment to religious observance, including wearing a yarmulke and strictly observing the Jewish Sabbath, means he will not participate in games or team activities held from Friday evening through Saturday evening.

After graduating from Miami Country Day School in 2025 without a Division I offer, Galbut spent a gap year in Jerusalem studying Talmud. His recruitment to Duquesne was facilitated by assistant coach Chase Goldstein, who discovered Galbut through highlight videos and advocated for his inclusion despite the scheduling challenges posed by Shabbat. Head coach Dru Joyce III noted that while accommodating Galbut’s religious requirements would not be easy, the program saw it as an opportunity for growth.

Galbut’s daily routine involves a rigorous balance of morning prayers, basketball practice, academic classes, and Talmud study at a local kollel. He is expected to be one of the few Orthodox Jewish players to compete at the Division I level while maintaining full religious observance, a feat not seen at this level since Tamir Goodman played for Towson in 2001.