1996 NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament

The 1996 NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament was the 40th annual single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division II college basketball in the United States.

The tournament, which featured forty-eight teams, culminated the 1995–96 NCAA Division II men's basketball season.

The Elite Eight, national semifinals, and championship were played at the Commonwealth Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

Fort Hays State (34–0) defeated Northern Kentucky in the final, 70–63, to win their first Division II national title.

East - California, Pennsylvania
Location: Hamer Hall Host: California University of Pennsylvania

South - Normal, Alabama
Location: Elmore Coliseum Host: Alabama A&M University

North Central - Hays, Kansas
Location: Gross Memorial Coliseum Host: Fort Hays State University

South Central - Rolla, Missouri
Location: Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building Host: University of Missouri at Rolla

Northeast - Goffstown, New Hampshire
Location: Stoutenburgh Gymnasium Host: Saint Anselm College

South Atlantic - Richmond, Virginia
Location: Arthur Ashe Athletic Center Host: Virginia Union University

Great Lakes - Evansville, Indiana
Location: Physical Activities Center Host: University of Southern Indiana

West - Bakersfield, California
Location: CSUB Student Activities Center Host: California State University, Bakersfield

Elite Eight-Louisville, Kentucky
Location: Commonwealth Convention Center Host: Bellarmine College

All-tournament team

 * Sherick Simpson, Fort Hays State
 * Paul Cluxton, Northern Kentucky
 * LaRon Moore, Northern Kentucky
 * Alonzo Goldston, Fort Hays State
 * Kebu Stewart, Cal State Bakersfield