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 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

Honor Recipient Preseason All-MAC EastBrandon Hunter, OhioAntonio Gates, Kent StateAndy Hipsher, AkronRonald Blackshear, MarshallJuby Johnson, Miami Preseason All-MAC WestTheron Smith, Ball StateChris Kaman, Central MichiganRicky Cottrill, Eastern MichiganNick Moore, ToledoRobby Collum, Western Michigan

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

Honor Recipient Postseason All-MAC First TeamChris Williams, Ball StateChris Kaman, Central MichiganAntonio Gates, Kent StateMarcus Smallwood, Northern IllinoisBrandon Hunter, Ohio Postseason All-MAC Second TeamDerrick Tarver, AkronMike Manciel, Central MichiganRyan Prillman, Eastern MichiganRonald Blackshear, MarshallJuby Johnson, Miami Postseason All-MAC Honorable MentionJohnny Hollingsworth, AkronKevin Netter, Bowling GreenTurner Battle, BuffaloJ.R. Wallace, Central MichiganEric Haut, MiamiP.J. Smith, Northern IllinoisNick Moore, ToledoKeith Triplett, ToledoRobby Collum, Western MichiganAnthony Kann, Western Michigan All-MAC Freshman TeamSammy Villegas, ToledoRon Lewis, Bowling GreenJosh Hausfeld, MiamiDeAndre Haynes, Kent StateTodd Peterson, Northern Illinois

See also 2002–03 Mid-American Conference women's basketball season

References