Kent Washington made history by becoming the first American to play professional basketball behind the Iron Curtain. In his memoir, Kentomania, he recounts his journey from grade school, when he was known as Peanut, to become the first Black American to play professionally in the top league in Poland.
Kent began to tap into his talent as a basketball player in junior and senior high school in New Rochelle, New York. His obsessive work ethic started to pay dividends as he elevated his game and became a college player at Southampton College in Long Island. During a basketball tour of communist Poland with his team in May 1976, Kent took the country by storm and became an overnight sensation.
After finishing his education, he returned to Poland under contract to play professionally. The Polish press dubbed his popularity “Kentomania,” and fans lined the sidewalks hoping to get into a game to see him play – and to get his autograph.
Kent’s athletic and cultural journey is unique as shares insights on his life behind the Iron Curtain.
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Get ready to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Kent Washington, the author of Kentomania.
Website - https://www.amazon.ca/Kentomania-Basketball-Virtuoso-Communist-Poland/dp/B09P3ZRN5G
Email - swashing55@icloud.com
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