RAP History

Western New York’s need for a quality AAU program became evident in the late 90’s when players, who were finishing their high school seasons, showed the desire to continue playing. As a result, Gene Cairo, a 25-year veteran high school coach saw this need and formed Rochester Area Players (RAP).

Today, RAP is a sanctioned AAU program made up of teams spanning seven age levels. In 2005, RAP became the largest program in New York State. In 2009, RAP consisted of over 30 travel teams (boys & girls) with nine high school and one college coach participating. RAP teams during the 2009 season collectively won more than 70 titles. RAP 17u players participated in AAU Nationals held in Orlando Florida and in the Adidas event in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, directed by Phil Valenti, RAP fielded for the first time an adult team made of several college graduates and captured the gold in the prestigious “Show” held in late July.

RAP has sponsored the RAP Invitational at East High School for the past three years. The annual January showcase has been made up of some of the premier high school teams from Rochester/Buffalo/Syracuse region. This year’s event will field 10 teams and will take place on January 30, 2010.

The 2005 National AAU Convention honored Gene Cairo, with the Youth Basketball Volunteer of the Year” award representing the Niagara Region.

RAP helps showcase the Greater Rochester area’s finest players. A number of players who graduate from the program continue their playing at Division I, II, III college levels. For the past 10 years, RAP has hosted two annual tournaments during the spring season. Each year it continues to grow and now draws over 220 teams from various states including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio. Teams from Canada also regularly participate.

The program plans to build on the successes of previous years. As RAP continues to draw players from the Greater Rochester area, teams will compete at the highest levels, while solidifying its reputation as one of the most complete AAU programs in the country.