The 1987–88 NCAA Division I men's basketball season began in November 1987 and ended with the Final Four in Kansas City, Missouri on April 4, 1988.

The top 20 from the AP Poll during the pre-season.

[2] *Ineligible for conference tournament A total of 18 college teams played as Division I independents.

[41] Temple 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.