Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland Paperback – December 28, 2021

Having had the personal pleasure to have witnessed and played along with a spectacular skilled player with the drive, dedication, heart and courage like no other as a teammate at Southampton College to include being a player of the Spring 1976 team that went to Poland where this journey propelled Ken to yet several further elite levels with life experiences to match, this genuine heartfelt book and memoir is simply off the charts incredible.I was in emotional awe in revisiting the accurate, well conveyed accounts and moments I was part of and was yet in another emotional positive universe with the further gripping and engaging story and experiences lived by Ken to become the iconic basketball player and man he is. A true testament to a man with unsurpassed vision, results based work ethic and related dedication to follow his dream to certainly be the best.Thanks Ken for getting this book out! It is truly inspirational and is a must read. Essentially recommended!

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

Unquestionably, both avid fans and non-fans of basketball, young people - especially those who struggle to find their goals in life - all will find something exciting in this story.Although his personality let him adapt to particular conditions of a communist country, Kent also showed that tolerance, determination, and lack of arrogance were the essential elements of this adaptation.Kent Washington – a though and down-to-earth guy, takes us on a sentimental journey in time full of descriptions of spectacular training sessions, the universal language of basketball, funny episodes, and anecdotes.Moreover, he expresses respect, sympathy, and gratitude for Poland and the Poles. His book describes a crucial fragment of Polish history - the gloominess of communist reality and the even grimmer period of martial law - all seen with the eyes of a young Black American who learns the meaning of the magical Polish phrase - "Get it done".The book will surely make a perfect gift for Americans who have Polish friends or acquaintances.

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.

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