The 1988–89 NCAA Division I men's basketball season began in November 1988 and ended with the Final Four at the Kingdome in Seattle, Washington, on April 3, 1989.

Beginning in 1988–89, the following rules changes were implemented: The top 20 from the AP Poll and Coaches Poll during the pre-season.

A total of 22 college teams played as Division I independents.

[11] La Salle and Temple both finished with 3–1 records in head-to-head competition among the Philadelphia Big 5.

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