In a move that's got college hoops fans buzzing, Chaim Galbut has officially committed to Duquesne University, and the internet is raising a glass—or a cup of grape juice—to celebrate. The Orthodox Jewish recruit is set to blaze a trail as one of the few observant players to suit up for four years of Division I basketball while strictly keeping the Sabbath.
For those unfamiliar, Orthodox Judaism prohibits work—including playing in games—from Friday night through Saturday evening. That means Galbut will likely miss a chunk of the Dukes' schedule. But on Wednesday, he made it clear that his faith comes first, and Duquesne is fully on board with that arrangement.
“Love this. Mazal tov to Chaim!” one fan wrote on X. Another chimed in: “My little Jewish heart is jumping for joy.” The comments kept rolling in, with one user joking, “Dude Israeli good at basketball,” while another noted, “Dawg I saw him play this summer he’s actually legit.”
The excitement isn't just about one player—it's a broader moment for observant Jews in sports. As one fan pointed out, “In the past 3 years we have had an Orthodox Jew in each of the big 3 sports at the Division 1 level. Let that sink in.” Another added, “D1 is in for a lot of learning the next few years. New words, new religious customs, new foods, lots of new friends named Ari. In D3 we’re 5-6 years into this…and in a pretty great spot.”
Duquesne isn't exactly a blue-blood program, but the Dukes have been making noise. Just two years ago, they crashed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977 and pulled off a stunning upset as an 11-seed over 6-seed BYU. The program also boasts a rich history, winning the NIT in 1955 and producing NBA Hall of Famer Chuck Cooper.
For Galbut, the path won't be easy. He'll miss games scheduled on Friday nights or Saturdays, potentially dozens over his career. But the support from fans—especially Jewish sports fans—has been overwhelming. One user summed it up: “My little Jewish heart is jumping for joy.”
This commitment is more than just a recruiting win for Duquesne; it's a testament to the growing inclusivity in college sports. As Galbut prepares to make history, the sports world is watching—and cheering.
For more on Galbut's journey, check out Chaim Galbut's Faith-First Journey: Orthodox Hoops Star Makes Historic Duquesne Pledge. And for the latest on college sports shakeups, see Scott Van Pelt Sounds Alarm on College Sports' 'Wild West' Future.
