The 1953–54 NCAA men's basketball season began in December 1953, progressed through the regular season and conference tournaments, and concluded with the 1954 NCAA basketball tournament championship game on March 20, 1954, at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The La Salle Explorers won their first NCAA national championship with a 92–76 victory over the Bradley Braves.
Season headlines
The Atlantic Coast Conference began play, with eight original members. The NCAA tournament expanded from 22 to 24 teams. Kentucky went undefeated, finishing with a 25–0 record. The Helms Athletic Foundation awarded its national championship to Kentucky rather than to the 1954 NCAA basketball tournament champion, La Salle. It was the fourth and final time that the NCAA champion and the Helms champion differed.
Season outlook
Pre-season polls
The Top 20 from the AP Poll and the UP Coaches Poll during the pre-season.
Conference membership changes
Regular season
Conference winners and tournaments
Statistical leaders
Post-season tournaments
NCAA tournament
Final Four
Third Place – Penn State 70, USC 61
National Invitation tournament
Semifinals & finals
Third Place – Niagara 71, Western Kentucky State 66
Awards
Consensus All-American teams
Major player of the year awards
Helms Player of the Year: Tom Gola, La Salle
Other major awards
NIT/Haggerty Award (Top player in New York City metro area): Ed Conlin, Fordham
Coaching changes
A number of teams changed coaches during the season and after it ended.