2000–01 Mid-American Conference men's basketball season

The 2000–01 Mid-American Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2000, followed by the start of the 2000–01 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Conference play began in January 2001 and concluded in March 2001. Central Michigan won the regular season title with a conference record of 14–4 by one game over second-place Kent State. Kent State defeated Miami in the MAC tournament final and represented the MAC in the NCAA tournament. There they defeated Indiana before losing to Cincinnati.

Preseason awards
The preseason poll was announced by the league office on October 4, 2000.

Preseason men's basketball poll
(First place votes in parentheses)

East Division

 * 1)  (29) 265
 * 2) Kent State (11) 229
 * 3)  174
 * 4)  165
 * 5) Ohio 144
 * 6)  100
 * 7)  43

West Division

 * 1)  (20) 219
 * 2)  (19) 213
 * 3)  (1) 133
 * 4) Eastern Michigan 122
 * 5)  79
 * 6)  74

Tournament champs
Marshall (14), Ball State (10), Kent State (7), Toledo (6), Bowling Green (1), Miami (1), Central Michigan (1)

Postseason awards

 * 1) Coach of the Year: Jay Smith, Central Michigan
 * 2) Player of the Year: David Webber, Central Michigan
 * 3) Freshman of the Year: Terry Reynolds, Toledo
 * 4) Defensive Player of the Year: Demetric Shaw, Kent State