The Western Illinois Leathernecks men's basketball team represents Western Illinois University of Macomb, Illinois, in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men's college basketball competition. As of the 2023âÂÂ24 NCAA season, the Leathernecks compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Western Illinois' first men's basketball team was fielded in 1904. The Leathernecks men's basketball program made the transition from Division II to Division I beginning in the 1981âÂÂ82 season. They were selected to play in the College Basketball Invitational tournament following the 2011âÂÂ12 regular season, the first Division I postseason appearance in school history. The Leathernecks were selected again to play in the College Basketball Invitational tournament after the 2012âÂÂ13 season. The Leathernecks have never appeared in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
Prior to moving to Western Hall in 1964, the men's basketball team played at Hewitt Gymnasium and Peoria Armory from the early 1900s through the 1930s. They also played select home games at Robertson Memorial Field House during the 1970s.
Western Illinois' records season by season since joining Division I in 1981.
Stats updated as of the end of the 2022âÂÂ23 season
The Leathernecks have appeared in two College Basketball Invitationals. Their combined record is 0âÂÂ2.
The Leathernecks have appeared in The Basketball Classic one time. Their record is 0âÂÂ1.
The Leathernecks have appeared in three NCAA Division II Tournaments. Their combined record is 2âÂÂ4.
The Leathernecks have appeared in seven NAIA tournaments. Their combined record is 18âÂÂ7.