Juan Mendez is one of the top players in Niagara and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference history. Mendez averaged 18.0 points per game during his career, and tallied 2210 points, fourth best all-time in the MAAC. He also pulled down 1053 rebounds, the No. 6 all-time career total in the MAAC. The 6-8, 245-pound forward was a three-time first-team All-MAAC performer after beginning his career in the MAAC in 2001-02 as an All-Rookie selection. Mendez was the MAAC Tournament MVP after leading the Purple Eagles to the championship in 2005, after appearances in the finals in 2002 and 2004. In 2005, he became one of just two Purple Eagles to be named to the Associated Press All-America team, when he earned AP All-American Honorable Mention honors after averaging 23.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, joining all-time Niagara great Calvin Murphy on that prestigious list.