The 2001–02 NCAA Division I men's basketball season began on November 9, 2001, progressed through the regular season and conference tournaments, and concluded with the 2002 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament Championship Game on April 1, 2002 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Maryland Terrapins won their first NCAA national championship with a 64–52 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers.

Beginning in 2001–02, the following rules changes were implemented:[9] The top 25 from the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls November 5, 2001.

[81] In addition, IPFW played as an independent as it began its transition from NCAA Division II, but it was not considered a full NCAA Division I school until the following season.

Penn finished with a 4–0 record in head-to-head competition among the Philadelphia Big 5.