1962–63 NCAA University Division men's basketball season

The 1962–63 NCAA University Division men's basketball season began in December 1962, progressed through the regular season and conference tournaments, and concluded with the 1963 NCAA University Division basketball tournament championship game on March 23, 1963, at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers won their first NCAA national championship with a 60–58 victory in overtime over the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Season headlines

 * The Western Athletic Conference began play, with six charter members.
 * While playing Wyoming in the All-City Tournament in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on December 28, 1962, Loyola of Chicago replaced starter John Egan with Pablo Robertson during the second half, becoming the first team ever to have five African American players on the floor at the same time.
 * Terry Baker of Oregon State became the first college football Heisman Trophy winner to play in the NCAA tournament's Final Four.
 * The Metropolitan New York Conference disbanded at the end of the season after 24 seasons of competition.

Pre-season polls
The Top 10 from the AP Poll and the Top 20 from the UPI Coaches Poll during the pre-season.

Final Four

 * Third Place – Duke 85, Oregon State 63

Semifinals & finals

 * Third Place – Marquette 66, Villanova 58

Major player of the year awards

 * Helms Player of the Year: Art Heyman, Duke
 * Associated Press Player of the Year:Art Heyman, Duke
 * UPI Player of the Year: Art Heyman, Duke
 * Oscar Robertson Trophy (USBWA): Art Heyman, Duke
 * Sporting News Player of the Year: Art Heyman, Duke

Major coach of the year awards

 * Henry Iba Award: Ed Jucker, Cincinnati
 * NABC Coach of the Year: Ed Jucker, Cincinnati
 * UPI Coach of the Year: Ed Jucker, Cincinnati

Other major awards

 * Robert V. Geasey Trophy (Top player in Philadelphia Big 5): Wali Jones, Villanova, & Jim Lynam, Saint Joseph's
 * NIT/Haggerty Award (Top player in New York City metro area): Barry Kramer, NYU

Coaching changes
A number of teams changed coaches during the season and after it ended.