Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland

Kenny has an amazing story and you will undoubtedly see parts of yourself in him. His descriptions of the people in his life, of adjusting to unfamiliar places, of relentless hard work, and of building his identity are vivid and informative. Whether you love basketball, are a history buff, or just enjoy great personal memoir, this is the book for you. Kenny truly has a story worth telling.-Spencer

What a great story!Kent Washington was an undersized, overachieving (and perhaps a bit obsessed) basketball player at New Rochelle High School, who earned a scholarship to Southampton College. When his college team played in a goodwill tournament behind the Iron Curtain in Communist Poland in 1976, Kent drew unusual attention with his exciting and “innovative style of play”. That caught the attention of a coach in the Polish Basketball League leading to an offer to play professional basketball.The book focuses primarily on Kent’s first season in Poland, mixing details of settling in a strange land, riding the bus, navigating the cultural sea of curious (for many Pols, Kent was the first Black person they had ever seen) and fans as he refined that innovative style and became a national sensation.Because Kent—both in person and in his telling of the story—is so naturally humble and understated, I’m obligated to brag for him: what Kent Washington did as a person, athlete, diplomat and cultural representative was nothing short of amazing. The story starts good and just keeps getting better; Kent’s always-positive voice guides us with ease through an adventure that would be inconceivable to most of us.And let’s be clear…Kent is also very good at basketball! He simply did things in Europe that had never been seen (if you’re old enough, think back to Dr. J’s impact on the NBA). After four-and-a-half seasons in the Polish league, Kent accepted an offer to continue as a professional in the Swedish Basketball League. His on-court accomplishments include MVP of the Polish and Swedish leagues; a scoring title and three All-Star Game appearances in Sweden; most three-pointers in a single game (a record he set in Sweden with 10, then broke it with 12). Back home, Kent has been inducted to the New Rochelle Sports Hall of Fame and the Westchester County Sports Hall of Fame.I can’t recommend this book enough—it’s a feel-good inspiration for all. As a New Rochelle resident, it’s a wonderful local-kid-makes-good story; for basketball fans, a story of dedication and success that will make you want to shout out and cheer; for students, Kent provides a role model for hard work, commitment and the willingness to pursue a dream no matter how unusual and unexpected the road presented.Bruce Jackson

With February being Black History Month, as a Black man I make an effort to think and learn about Black men and women who have made a contribution to us as people. There are those who enhanced in the area of science, technology, education, politics, religion, the arts and, sports to mention a few. Recently, I learned more about those that made their career, fame and fortune while living outside the United States. Historically the primary reason for becoming expatriates is American institutional racism and more opportunities. Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, Nina Simone, Richard Wright, W.E.B. Du Bois and Mos Def. I say all of this because I just finished reading the book “Kentomania” by Kent Washington. This autobiography tells the story of a man who wanted to do nothing but play basketball. Discovering that he could not find an opportunity in the NBA, he committed to a professional basketball career in communist Poland and Sweden. During his career in basketball, Kent has won countless awards and honors.Kent Washington’s accomplishments and career is an inspiration. His book is a positive story that can encourage others to have hope even when they do not fit the typical mold, whatever the career. His book Kentomania is an easy read and tells the story of a person who dreamed big, worked extremely hard and became a citizen of the world. Mr. Washington is an outlier. See Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It was a pleasure to read Kent Washington’s story.

Pictured here Kent Washington, of New Rochelle NY being Inducted in Westchester Sports Hall of Fame. As detailed in his book, "Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland", Kent chronicles his living legacy and early education from his hometown. Knowing of the city, schools, parks and The Remington Unit of the Boys and Girls Club, the read was more a personal journey watching a familiar film strip. What ready came to life was his disciplined work ethic, determination and conditioning to develop the skills in the game he loved, that propelled him to opportunities never imagined. Sharing the trail blazing route to college, leading to international tournaments and professional exhibits aboard is and accomplishment in itself for a Black man at that time. But to be admired and revere in a Communist Poland, took not only exceptional skills but extreme humility. Proving you can't control how you feel; but you can always choose how you act. Kent's has displaced what it means to be a true professional, to learn your craft, develop perfection, and give back. As he has returned back to that same Remington Boys and Girls Club, conducted B-ball clinics and training for our youth today. Thank you for sharing Brother Kent, fraternally your Matt Meachem.