The 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball season began on November 10, 2017. The first tournament was the 2K Sports Classic and the season ended with the Final Four in San Antonio on April 2, 2018. Practices officially began on September 29, 2017.
Rule changes
The following rule changes were proposed for the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball season: Expanding the coaches' box from 28 feet to 38 feet. Resetting the shot clock to 20 seconds when the ball is inbounded in the front court after a foul or violation (ex. kicked ball) by the defense. If there are more than 20 seconds on the shot clock in this situation, the shot clock will not be reset. Previously the shot clock was reset to the full 30 seconds regardless of the time remaining on the shot clock. Allow referees to use instant replay in the final 2:00 of the second half and/or overtime to determine if a secondary defensive player was either inside or outside of the restricted arc. If the defender was inside the arc, a blocking foul will be called. If the defender is outside of the restricted area, then a player control foul (charge) will be called. Require a minimum of 0.3 seconds to be taken off the game clock when the ball is legally touched on a throw-in or other situation. Make throw-in spots more consistent in the front court. Redefine a "legal screen" to require the inside of the screener's feet be no wider than his shoulders.
The NCAA approved a number of experimental rule changes for use in the 2018 postseason NIT: Games were played in 10-minute quarters instead of 20-minute halves, matching current practice in NCAA women's basketball. The "one-and-one" foul shot was not used. Instead, starting with the fifth total foul in each quarter, non-shooting fouls by the defensive team resulted in two free throws, with the only exception being administrative technical fouls. This also matched current NCAA women's practice. The three-point line was extended to the current FIBA distance of 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) from the center of the basket, except where the arc approaches the sideline; the line was a minimum distance of 3 feet (0.91 m) from the sidelines. The free throw lane was extended to the 16-foot width used in NBA and FIBA play, instead of the NCAA standard of 12 feet. After an offensive rebound, the shot clock was reset to 20 seconds instead of 30.