1996–97 George Mason Patriots men's basketball team

1996–97 George Mason Patriots men's basketball
ConferenceColonial Athletic Association
Record10–17 (4–12 CAA)
Head coach
Home arenaPatriot Center
1996–97 CAA men's basketball standings
Conf. Overall
Team W   L   PCT W   L   PCT
Old Dominion 10 6   .625 22 11   .667
UNC Wilmington 10 6   .625 16 14   .533
East Carolina 9 7   .563 17 10   .630
VCU 9 7   .563 14 13   .519
William & Mary 8 8   .500 12 16   .429
James Madison 8 8   .500 16 13   .552
American 7 9   .438 11 16   .407
Richmond 7 9   .438 13 15   .464
George Mason 4 12   .250 10 17   .370
1997 CAA tournament winner
Rankings from AP poll

The 1996–97 George Mason Patriots Men's basketball team represented George Mason University during the 1996–97 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. This was the 31st season for the program, the fourth and final under head coach Paul Westhead. The Patriots played their home games at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia.

In the CAA tournament, the Patriots lost to Richmond in the first round.