Religious Jewish Basketball Player Chaim Galbot Joins Division 1 College Team at Duquesne University

Chaim Galbot, a 19-year-old American-Jewish Orthodox basketball player, is making history by joining Duquesne University’s Division 1 basketball team for the upcoming season. Galbot will be the first player wearing a kippah and observing Shabbat to compete at this level since Tamir Goodman did so in Tucson in 2001. Standing 1.98 meters tall, Galbot has gained attention for balancing his religious commitments with his athletic ambitions.

Galbot has faced skepticism from both religious authorities and coaches who doubted his ability to maintain Torah study while pursuing basketball. He explained, "I am a basketball player and I am Jewish. Not one or the other. For me, there is no choice." He will not participate in games held on Friday evenings to honor Shabbat. Duquesne University has committed to accommodating his religious needs as much as possible.

During a year in Israel, Galbot met Ryan Turell, a former Yeshiva University star who played in the NBA G League, who advised him on navigating his unique path. Galbot visited Duquesne last spring and soon after committed to the school, appreciating the rare opportunity it offered. Since moving into his new apartment in June, he has adapted to a rigorous daily schedule that includes early morning prayers, training, online classes, Talmud study, and evening prayers.

Galbot acknowledges the challenges ahead, including potential conflicts between games and religious observance. He remains motivated by his family’s encouragement to pursue his dreams and is determined to prove doubters wrong. While some have nicknamed him the "Jewish Jordan," Galbot prefers to call himself the "Jewish Rodman," referencing the former NBA star Dennis Rodman.

In a previous interview, Galbot expressed his dream to sanctify God on the basketball court, play in Israel and for the Israeli national team, and represent Orthodox Jewish athletes who play while wearing a kippah. Though he is realistic about the NBA, he says, "You have to dream big, so I’ll say NBA."