The 2020–21 Big Sky Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2020, followed by the start of the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Conference play begins in January 2021 and will conclude in March 2021.
Preseason Awards
Preseason awards were announced by the league office on November 11, 2020.
Preseason men's basketball coaches poll
(First place votes in parentheses) Eastern Washington (9) 99 Montana (1) 86 Weber State 73 Portland State (1) 67 Northern Colorado 65 Montana State 60 Southern Utah 56 Northern Arizona 34 Sacramento State 31 Idaho State 24 Idaho 10
Preseason men's basketball media poll
(First place votes in parentheses) Eastern Washington (24) 304 Montana (2) 250 Northern Colorado (2) 222 Montana State 200 Weber State 183 Southern Utah 173 Portland State 147 Northern Arizona 143 Sacramento State 93 Idaho State 86 Idaho 50