PITTSBURGH (VINnews) – Chaim Galbut, a 6-foot-7 forward known for his athleticism and commitment to observant Orthodox Jewish life, has committed to play basketball at Duquesne University, where he aims to become the first Sabbath-observant Orthodox Jew to complete four full years of Division I college basketball.

Galbut, who observes Shabbat strictly, took a gap year in Israel this past season focused on spiritual development. He played his senior season at Miami Country Day School in Florida during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 16.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 blocks and 2.0 steals per game over 24 contests.

The Miami native, sometimes referred to in basketball circles as “the Jewish Jordan,” first drew Duquesne’s attention through social media highlights showing him dunking while wearing a yarmulke. The 6-7 forward attended yeshivas including Mechina of South Florida and Yeshiva Bais Yisrael before his time at Miami Country Day.

Duquesne, a private Catholic research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Galbut’s commitment marks a notable milestone for Orthodox Jewish athletes seeking to balance rigorous religious observance with high-level collegiate sports.

Galbut is expected to join the Dukes for the 2026-27 season following his gap year.

No further details on his signing timeline or role with the program were immediately available.