FORT WORTH, Texas — Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway said Thursday that there is "zero" chance the Tigers will accept an NIT bid.

"No, sir," he said. "I'm not accepting any invitations."

Hardaway's team fell flat in a 71-65 loss to Wichita State in the second round of the AAC tournament Thursday at Dickies Arena, effectively squashing what little hope was left that the Tigers (22-10) could advance to a third straight NCAA tournament. It was already a long shot, as most pegged them as falling short of March Madness without a conference tournament title and the automatic bid attached to it.

Faced with the prospect of beginning the offseason early or hoping for an NIT bid, Hardaway has already made up his mind which route he plans on taking.

"That’s the decision — I’m just making it right now," he said. "I’ll talk to the administration, but I’m not looking to play any more NIT games, man. I’m sorry. I’m not disrespecting the NIT. It’s just, it’s been a tough season already."

A season that once began so promisingly — Memphis was 15-2 on Jan. 17 and once ranked 10th in the Associated Press Top 25 poll — cratered. The Tigers went 7-8 after that hot start, which included wins over Texas A&M, Clemson, Virginia and VCU.

Memphis played in the NIT in 2021, beating Mississippi State in the championship game.

Hardaway said his frustration with how the season played out was only part of the reason he isn't looking to coach any more basketball in the near future. His mother, Fae Hardaway, has been battling throat cancer and Penny Hardaway said he is her sole caretaker when he is not out of town with the Tigers.

"My mom has been in and out of the hospital. (She is) in the hospital now with throat cancer," Hardaway said. "Dealing with a whole lot, and just dealing with basketball at the same time — I know this is my job, but that’s not my first option."

MEMPHIS BASKETBALL: Stunning AAC tournament exit is new low for Penny Hardaway era

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Penny Hardaway: 'Zero' chance Memphis basketball will accept NIT bid