The 2002–03 Mid-American Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2002, followed by the start of the 2002–03 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Conference play began in January 2003 and concluded in March 2003. Central Michigan won the regular season title with a conference record of 14–4 by two games over second-place Kent State. Central Michigan defeated Kent State in the MAC tournament final and represented the MAC in the NCAA tournament. There they defeated Creighton in the first round before losing to Duke.
Preseason awards
The preseason poll was announced by the league office on October 24, 2002.
Preseason men's basketball poll
(First place votes in parentheses)
East Division
Ohio (22) 199
(5) 166
(7) 155
(1) 94
(1) 89
58
West Division
(33) 249
191
(3) 155
126
117
Central Michigan 113
Eastern Michigan 50
Honors
Postseason
Mid–American Tournament
NCAA tournament
Postseason awards
Coach of the Year: Jay Smith, Central Michigan
Player of the Year: Chris Kaman, Central Michigan
Freshman of the Year: Sammy Villegas, Toledo
Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Kaman, Central Michigan
Sixth Man of the Year: Whitney Robinson, Central Michigan
Honors
See also
2002–03 Mid-American Conference women's basketball season
References
