The 1996-1997 Tennessee basketball team had a disappointing season, finishing with a record of 11-16 and placing sixth in SEC MBB East. They were coached by Kevin O'Neill. The team struggled to score, averaging only 57.2 points per game, which ranked 301st out of 306 teams. However, their defense was solid, holding opponents to 61.6 points per game, which ranked 20th in the country. The team's offensive rating was only 87.0, which was among the worst in the nation, while their defensive rating was 93.6, which ranked 35th.