[photo/kenyapage.net/basketball]Former NBA star Kermit Washington has acknowledged that Kenya is teeming with talent that can make the country go places if well nurtured by professionals.
The 66-year-old, who played for Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, San Diego Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, says Kenya’s players can brush shoulders with the crème-de-la-crème in the sport if the country is overly keen in instilling expertise in them.
“I think the nation should jumpstart the nurturing process by educating coaches and installing right basketball virtues in them to enable them to help the youngsters,” said Washington, who has several humanitarian foundations in Kenya that help people access business funds and receive medical attention.
He added: “This country has the potential to produce world-class stars not just in athletics, football, and rugby but also in basketball. This virtue is discernible and what is important is getting professional trainers and support from relevant authorities.”
Washington is fondly remembered for his infamous punch on Rudy Tomjanorich in 1977 during an on-court fight which ended the latter’s career “What happened next was rather unfortunate, to say the least, but Rudy forgave me and we are now best of friends.”
Besides Kenya, the retired NBA star also has various programmes in Rwanda aimed at bringing together the people especially after the 1994 genocide.
“It’s now over 20 years since I started my projects in Kenya. I have done clinics that could see 1,000 patients a day. I have also helped people start their own businesses as well as paying for operation and clearing a number of hospital bills,” he said.