The 1971-72 Willamette men's basketball team finished with an impressive 23-6 overall record, capturing the NWC co-championship with an 11-3 conference record and winning the NAIA District 2 title. This marked the Bearcats' first conference championship in over a decade and their last until 1988.  In the District 2 playoffs, Willamette defeated George Fox 69-60 and co-NWC champion Lewis & Clark 89-71, securing a spot in the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City. Coach Jim Boutin was honored as District 2 Coach of the Year and Northwest Small College Coach of the Year. Several players received individual recognition, with Doug Holden earning All-NWC and All-District honors, alongside accolades for Mike Coleman, Rich Grady, Dave Steen, and Bob Hansen.