A former New Rochelle High School star basketball player has written a book about his experience as the first American basketball player to play behind the Iron Curtain.
Kent Washington graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1973, and started playing basketball in Poland in 1979.
He released a book about his experience in late December, titled “Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland.” The book details Washington’s basketball journey from sixth grade in New Rochelle through his time playing in Poland.
“One of the main challenges in Poland was the language because I was unable to speak or understand it at first. I got used to it, because I was blinded by the passion of playing basketball,” Washington said. “There are two messages I try to get across in the book: That I was a purposeful and dedicated worker that set attainable goals; and that I embraced Poland and Poland embraced me. Communism is not an indictment on the people who live there.”
Washington says in the book that his greatest influence on his basketball career was his brother, Kurt.
“He was an integrity-filled person, he understood sports, he took me with him to play basketball against older players in different parts of town so I could be exposed to better players. He was just very patient with me, a great brother,” Washington said.
Washington was inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. At the induction ceremony, Washington told the crowd he took advantage of what the New Rochelle school system offered: diversity, good teachers, and teachers who kept structure in their classrooms.
“I also took advantage of the Girls and Boys Club, YMCA, and other recreational opportunities that were allowed to children,” he said.
From Poland, Washington went on to play basketball in Sweden. He has since moved back to the United States. He is now retired and resides in his hometown of New Rochelle.
“Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland” is available for purchase here for $14.99.