The 1959 NCAA University Division basketball tournament involved 23 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball in the United States.
It began on March 7, 1959, and ended with the championship game on March 21 in Louisville, Kentucky.
A total of 27 games were played, including a third place game in each region and a national third place game.
California, coached by Pete Newell, won the national title with a 71–70 victory in the final game over West Virginia, coached by Fred Schaus.
Jerry West of West Virginia was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.