The Memphis basketball chapter of Emoni Bates' career has concluded once and for all. 

Despite both sides reportedly entertaining the possibility of a reunion – which was accompanied by rampant speculation this week – Bates will instead continue his career at Eastern Michigan in his hometown of Ypsilanti. 

Last week, The Commercial Appeal reported Bates' father had recently visited the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center (the Tigers' practice facility) in an attempt to gauge coach Penny Hardaway's interest in a return. On Monday, Hardaway refuted that during an appearance on YouTube series "The Doc Holliday Show."

"The Emoni thing, I haven't been approached by it," Hardaway said. "He's in the portal, and everybody's putting everything out there, but I haven't spoken to anyone from his camp."