The 1997 Big East men's basketball tournament took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Its winner received the Big East Conference's automatic bid to the 1997 NCAA tournament.
Boston College defeated Villanova in the final, 70–58 to earn its first Big East tournament championship.
Future NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb participated in the tournament as a reserve forward for Syracuse.
Dave Gavitt Trophy (Most Outstanding Player): Scoonie Penn, Boston College All-Tournament Team General: "2008-09 Big East Media Guide" (PDF).