The 2002–03 NCAA Division I men's basketball season began on November 10, 2002, progressed through the regular season and conference tournaments, and concluded with the 2003 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament Championship Game on April 7, 2003, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Syracuse Orange and coach Jim Boeheim won their first NCAA national championship with an 81–78 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks.

Season headlines

Major rule changes

Beginning in 2002–03, the following rules changes were implemented:

Season outlook

Pre-season polls

The top 25 from the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls November 13, 2002.

Conference membership changes

These schools joined new conferences for the 2002–03 season.

Regular season

Conferences

Conference winners and tournaments

Conference standings

Division I independents

Six schools played as Division I independents. Lipscomb (8–20), an independent in transition from the NAIA to Division I during the season, was not considered a full Division I school during the 2002–03 season.

Informal championships

Saint Joseph's finished with a 4–0 record in head-to-head competition among the Philadelphia Big 5.

Statistical leaders

Source for additional stats categories

Postseason tournaments

NCAA tournament

Final Four – Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

National Invitation tournament

Semifinals & finals

Award winners

Consensus All-American teams

Major player of the year awards

Major freshman of the year awards

Major coach of the year awards

Other major awards

Coaching changes

A number of teams changed coaches throughout the season and after the season ended.