The 1996–97 Valparaiso Crusaders men's basketball team represented Valparaiso University during the 1996–97 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.

The Crusaders, led by ninth-year head coach Homer Drew, played their home games at the Athletics–Recreation Center as members of the Mid-Continent Conference.

The Crusaders won Mid-Con regular season and tournament titles, and received an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament as No.

In the opening round, Valpo was beaten by No.

[2] The team finished with a record of 24–7 (13–3 Mid-Con).