2002–03 Mid-American Conference men's basketball season

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

 * 1) Ohio (22) 199
 * 2)  (5) 166
 * 3)  (7) 155
 * 4)  (1) 94
 * 5)  (1) 89
 * 6)  58

West Division

 * 1)  (33) 249
 * 2)  191
 * 3)  (3) 155
 * 4)  126
 * 5)  117
 * 6) Central Michigan 113
 * 7) Eastern Michigan 50

Postseason awards

 * 1) Coach of the Year: Jay Smith, Central Michigan
 * 2) Player of the Year: Chris Kaman, Central Michigan
 * 3) Freshman of the Year: Sammy Villegas, Toledo
 * 4) Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Kaman, Central Michigan
 * 5) Sixth Man of the Year: Whitney Robinson, Central Michigan