The 1958–59 NCAA University Division men's basketball season began in December 1958, progressed through the regular season and conference tournaments, and concluded with the 1959 NCAA University Division basketball tournament championship game on March 21, 1959, at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky.
The California Golden Bears won their first NCAA national championship with a 71–70 victory over the West Virginia Mountainneers.
[2][3] A total of 42 college teams played as University Division independents.
[15] Saint Joseph's finished with a 4–0 record in head-to-head competition among the Philadelphia Big 5.
A number of teams changed coaches during the season and after it ended.