My memoir is a character journey with basketball as a backdrop. Little did I know that my obsessive practice habits as a youth would result in me breaking barriers and assimilating into a communist society.
For those of you who are not aware, I am the first American to play professional basketball behind the “Iron Curtain.” I played in Poland from 1979-83. My eye-witness experiences in a communist society are documented in my memoir, ‘Kentomania’ A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland.
The Discipline Behind the Journey
My diligent and passionate basketball training sessions were instrumental in building my character as a youth. I preferred to practice alone and realized that my determination to improve with each session motivated my desire.
This obsessiveness with basketball was unhealthy, however it was an innate characteristic and better to be addicted to basketball than something less desirable. In the future my training methods which allowed me to find “solitude,” would help me endure a challenging lifestyle that others may find unacceptable.
Breaking Cultural Barriers
This life changing experience has afforded me the awareness to understand that “Communism” is not an indictment on the people who live under it.
By not flaunting my “Americanism,” allowed my Polish teammates, friends, colleagues and others to accept me with open arms. The mutual respect that we had for each other made my transition into Polish culture much easier.
Being around my teammates and using the radio as a means of helping me learn the language paid effective dividends. The ability to communicate opened up doors that I never knew existed.
Living in the community (as opposed to a hotel) was essential for me to understand Polish lifestyle. I was able to experience daily life as my neighbors and others in the community did.
Learning to Live With Less
The challenging conditions that I lived in made it apparent that “doing more with less” would be my mantra. Gone were the luxuries of home in America! A more simple lifestyle was inevitable for me if I was to remain.
The challenges of learning a new language, dealing with loneliness, limited access to entertainment (television and radio), navigating new foods, understanding the monetary system, dealing with substandard plumbing, electricity, refrigeration, etc. were issues to be met head on.
All of those “obstacles” were just a part of the “culture shock” that I willingly had to overcome if I wanted to play basketball.
Life Behind the Iron Curtain
During the most difficult times in Poland, when we (Polish population) had to struggle with the harsh rule of the Communist Regime and “Marshall Law.”
I never felt threatened or feared for my well being because my teammates, friends and neighbors treated me like I was one of them. Although my stature in the community did benefit me, it was my determination to assimilate that made others want to help me.
Long lines at gas stations, stores and the mandatory introduction of rationing coupons made for a desperate and troubling time, however the Polish people were resilient and used their wit and cleverness to barter with each other for the items that were needed.
“Arrange It” and Community Resilience
The scarcity of items in stores such as: meats, sugar, flour, butter, toilet paper, detergent and dozens of other household items were creating despair in the community. “Arrange it,” became the calling card of the people. Trading items or favors with each other allowed families to survive this dismal period.
It was only through connecting with people in my community that I could gain their trust and endure these daily challenges.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Realizing my passion at an early age, working diligently and setting goals were key qualities that enabled me to become a pioneer and reach new horizons. I never imagined that I would be breaking barriers, crossing cultures and making history. For that I am eternally grateful!
