The season saw six different teams achieve the AP #1 ranking during the year (just one shy of the NCAA record).

Oklahoma sophomore Blake Griffin was the dominant individual performer, sweeping National Player of the Year honors.

Beginning in 2008–2009, the following rules changes were implemented: The top 25 from the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls, October 31, 2008.

Source for additional stats categories The NCAA Tournament tipped off on March 18, 2009, with the opening round game in Dayton, Ohio, and concluded on April 6 at the Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

This season also marked the first time that three teams from the same conference were selected as #1 seeds (Louisville, Pittsburgh and Connecticut).

Five teams were automatic qualifiers for winning their conference regular-season championships, while the remaining 27 bids were named from an at-large pool.

Notable entrants included Kentucky, who broke a 17-year NCAA tournament appearance streak by missing the field, as well as preseason top ten team Notre Dame and 2008 Regional Finalist Davidson.