There has been a lot of talk and speculation about where sophomore Auri Allen will be playing this upcoming season. The promising 7-foot center has been training all summer but he didn't play any basketball with Verbum Dei. He has been spotted at various high school venues further fueling rumors that he would be transferring to a new high school.

We talked to a spokesperson very close to the situation who volunteered information with the stipulation that we wouldn't identify our source and that we hold off on some of the information. What we can say is that Allen will not be playing at Verbum Dei and he is in the process of looking at his options. His mother Pamela will be overseeing the process but it was Allen's choice not to attend Verbum Dei.

Enrolling in a high-profile program is under serious consideration but is not an essential option. Even though he hasn't played with a team this summer Allen has not neglected basketball. He's been training with two experienced trainers and has been working out. He attended the last Five Star Camp and used that as a workout.

Wayne Slappy, the Executive Director of the LA Five Star Camp, is one of Allen's trainers. He has been teaching Allen post moves and other basketball techniques & skills. Fred Hawthorne is also training Allen but his training is centered on improving agility through various drills and exercises.

We'll have more as new developments unfold.