By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. --- While it would have been very easy for the members of Team Shaun Livingston to focus on their performance as individuals in front of a plethora of high-profile coaches and media, they resisted that temptation. Everyone took notice.
Resembling a group of seasoned teammates, Team Livingston was unselfish and executed sharply on its way to a 100-81 victory over Team Marvin Williams in the championship game at RBK U.
Six players finished in double figures for the Livingston squad, led by Mt. Vernon (N.Y.) forward Kevin Jones, who tallied 17.
"My team played great all week," Jones said. "It was a total team effort, and everyone played well today."
Jarrett Mann capped a fine week of play with seven points, six assists, and eight rebounds. Tyshawn Taylor, who raised his stock as much as any player at the camp, was named to the Create and Finish All-Star team. He scored 11 points and pulled down four rebounds in the win.
Pe'Shon Howard dished out a team-leading seven assists for Team Shaun Livingston, which also received contributions from Verdell Jones, Lamar Patterson, and Justin Brownlee.
Earlier in the day, a playoff contest between Team Allen Iverson and Team Gerald Green led to an exciting confrontation between Canada's Olu Ashaolu and California's Renardo Sidney.
Using his quickness to his advantage, Ashaolu got the best of Sidney, scoring 19 points with several powerful slams. Sidney collected as many fouls (six) as points.
"That's what I live for, competition," Ashaolu said. "When it comes down to the stretch, I try to be the man that comes through in the clutch. I don't like playing blowout games."
The night ended with just that, a blowout, as Team Create pummeled Team Finish, 143-121, in the RBK U All-Star game.
After days of intense practicing and scrimmaging, the players let loose on the court, firing alley-oop passes and three pointers, often dazzling the fans who packed into Philadelphia University for the chance to see the culmination of the camp.
From the opening tip-off, when William Buford threw down a two-handed dunk, both squads put on a show. It was a fitting end to RBK U, where some of America's best young basketball players showcased themselves in competition and cooperation, impressing college coaches, scouts, and basketball fans alike.