The first American to play professional basketball behind the Iron Curtain was Kent Washington. He stood present as history revealed itself.
During the time Kent played basketball in Poland, there was a historic social and political uprising in the country called Solidarnosc. There were two historical events happening simultaneously!
Kent Washington and the Rise of Basketball
Kent’s presence was felt athletically. His incredible skill with the ball had never been seen in Poland previously and therefore he became a fan favorite. His impact on basketball was so obvious that the term “Kentomania” was coined. Arenas were packed with enthusiastic fans who formed long lines hours before game time to purchase tickets. Fans would swarm the court after games for autographs making it nearly impossible for Kent to exit.
Was he a novelty because he was Black or a unique talent to admire?
Not only was Kent’s talents recognized and admired by thousands of basketball fans. His talent was appreciated by the Polish Men’s National Basketball Team’s coach. So much so that Kent was invited to an Olympic Men’s Basketball Team’s Camp.
This unprecedented invitation has to be regarded as historic as well. A Black American basketball player practicing with a Cold War country’s team. Apparently, the value of Kent’s skills outweighed the arrogance (if any) of the communist way of doing things.
Basketball During a Difficult Period
In the late 70’s and early 80’s Poland was in a very dark period. Daily items were difficultly to obtain and money was of little importance. Poles relied on rationing coupons for access to store items and most store shelves were empty.
Kent’s basketball games provided needed entertainment for the Polish people. Many read about the American’s special basketball talents that painted him as a basketball virtuoso.
Going to a game to watch Kent’s team play became a needed distraction from the challenges of daily life. After games conversations were about basketball and the anticipation of playing the next opponent.
How Basketball Connected a Community
With the popularity of basketball on the rise in Poland. The people of Lublin became connected through basketball. Either at the job site, cafeterias, homes, etc. the conversations were about basketball. The only news that wasn’t manipulated by the communist leadership was sports.
Reading the sports page before and after games became routine. How to arrange purchasing tickets was the topic of discussions.
Many of the townships around the city of Lublin began to organize bus transportation to games. Now busloads of people from outside of Lublin travelled into the city for entertainment.
The areas around the city were being connected through basketball!
Kent Washington in Polish Cinema
The legendary Polish film director Stanislaw Bareja and the Legendary film star Stanislaw Tym co-wrote a manuscript for a comedy.
The film “Mis” was the result of this collaboration. Many Poles regard “Mis” as one of the most popular cult-comedies in Polish cinema history. The groundbreaking film made fun of the Communist lifestyle through satire. One epic and memorable scene in the film portrays Kent Washington as a basketball player. His talents were on full display as he dribbled the ball.
A historic moment in Polish cinema! A Black American is featured in a Cold War country’s film. Were social norms being broken or was the door to westernization being cracked open?
History Revealed on Two Fronts
Kent’s presence in Poland was history being revealed on two fronts. The first Black American professional athlete in a Cold War country during the historic “Solidarnosc” movement. A novelty because he was Black or he had incredible basketball skills. What matters is the impact an individual simply playing sports can have on a culture.
