Kent Washington
Kent Washington played professional basketball in the Polish People's Republic from 1979-1983. He is the author of the 2021 memoir "Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland."
Full Biography
With a “won’t be denied” attitude, Kent Washington took basketball to a level that few could.
Kent Washington was born in New Rochelle, New York, on January 10, 1955. The son of Ralph and Cloteal Washington and the younger brother of Kurt, he attended the New Rochelle Public Schools. While doing so, he trained relentlessly to cultivate his basketball talent. Through hard work and discipline, Kent’s high school basketball accomplishments earned him a four-year scholarship to Southampton College. His basketball prowess commanded attention as his personal achievements grew.
A basketball tour with his college to communist Poland in May 1976 provided an opportunity that he could never have imagined.
On January 4, 1979, Kent committed to playing professionally in Poland where he became the first Black American to play professional basketball behind the Iron Curtain. He played there for four and a half seasons, enduring the
communist lifestyle while assimilating into Polish society.
The personal account of his daily life there, Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland (2021), is fascinating as he gives readers an up-close look at communism, both athletically and culturally.
To contact Kent to arrange an interview or speaking engagement, email him at kentomania9[at]gmail[dot]com.
