Orthodox player at Duquesne says 'I’m the Jewish Rodman'

There will be an Orthodox Jewish college basketball player suiting up at a Catholic school in Pittsburgh this upcoming season.

Chaim Galbut is a 6-foot-7 Miami native, who will play at Duquesne. He comes to the Dukes from Miami via Israel, where he took a gap year to concentrate on spiritual development.

Galbut graduated from Miami Country Day School in 2024-25. During his senior year, he averaged 16.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

JUST IN: Chaim Galbut commits to Duquesne, aiming to become the first observant Orthodox Jew to play four full years of Division I basketball after a standout senior season and a gap year in Israel focused on spiritual growth.
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The New York Post spent time with Galbut. In the article, which details his road to Duquesne and adjustment to college life, it says someone referred to him as the Jewish Jordan.

“No, I’m the Jewish Rodman,” Galbut replied.

Without a D-I offer out of high school, Galbut headed for Israel. While Galbut was there, Duquesne assistant coach Chase Goldstein caught wind of a video of Galbut making stunning slam dunk after slam dunk.

It is all school work, hoops and a lot of praying for Galbut, who spends three afternoon hours at a center for Jewish learning.

“It’s been really hard,” he told the New York Post. “Some days feel so long, but I also remind myself that’s what I wanted. One of my family’s sayings is to chase your dreams. And that’s what I’m doing."

Duquesne's Chaim Galbut embarking on rare path as Orthodox Jewish Division I basketball player https://t.co/4tZxIojLF0pic.twitter.com/AmatULsdFH

Harvard was a consideration but the Ivy League schedule is dominated by Friday night and Saturday games.

Duquesne told Galbut it will work with him around not playing on Sabbath.

"I don’t play on Shabbos,” he said on the Yeshiva League Pass Tip Off podcast. “They’re like, ‘Well, we don’t want you.’”

Hashem First: Chaim Galbut, a star Jewish basketball player says he wouldn't play on Shabbat even if he's offered a billion dollars. pic.twitter.com/qWrbvg4rB4

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Orthodox player at Duquesne says 'I’m the Jewish Rodman'