A four-year college starter. A professional champion. A head men's basketball coach. And the founder of South Florida's most elite basketball development program.
Before he ever stood on the sideline as a coach, Joshua Mendoza earned his place on the court. A native of South Florida, he walked onto Johnson & Wales University and started all four years — anchoring the defense and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2017. That same year, he led his team to a TSC Final Four appearance, the furthest the program had advanced in years.
But college was just the beginning. After graduating, Mendoza took his game to South America — playing professionally across the Peruvian LNB and Copa Crisol leagues. In his first professional season, he won the LNB National Championship and was named Finals MVP. A year later, he captured another title in the Copa Crisol and earned selection to the 1st All-League Team.
That playing experience — competing at the highest international level, winning under pressure, being pushed by world-class talent — became the foundation for everything Creation Basketball Academy teaches today.
In 2021, Mendoza joined Florida Memorial University as Head Developmental Basketball Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach. What followed was one of the most successful coaching runs in program history — rising through every level of the staff on his way to the top.
He pioneered FMU's developmental program, leading it to back-to-back Sun Conference Developmental Championships in 2022 and 2024. As Assistant Varsity Coach, he helped drive the program to two TSC Conference Championships (2022, 2024) and an NAIA National Tournament appearance.
In 2024–25, he was promoted to Associate Head Coach & Director of Operations. Leading scouting, defensive game planning, practice design, and player development, the program finished with a 22–8 overall record and earned an at-large NAIA National Tournament bid as an 8 seed — including wins over three NAIA Top 25 opponents.
In 2025–26, Mendoza was named Head Men's Basketball Coach. In his first season at the helm, he guided the program to an 18–11 record, a Top 40 RPI national ranking, and four wins over Top 25 opponents. The team also received votes for the AP Top 25 poll and finished as HBCU Invitational Runner-Up.
Across his tenure at FMU, Mendoza's overall college coaching record stands at 172 wins against 87 losses — a combined record as assistant, developmental head coach, and varsity head coach. A winning percentage built at every seat on the bench, from developmental coach to the head chair.
At the foundation of Coach Mendoza's philosophy is the unwavering belief that coaching is a calling, not just a career. He has been called to serve, teach, and lead with integrity — both on and off the court. His purpose is rooted in faith, guided by the values and example of Jesus Christ, who led with compassion, discipline, humility, and unwavering strength.
Build the complete athlete through rigorous skill training, deep understanding of the game, and strong work habits. Every drill, film session, and rep is intentional. Development is not optional — it is the standard.
Basketball is temporary. Character lasts forever. Leadership, accountability, humility, and respect are the pillars of our culture. We coach to develop winners in life, not just on the scoreboard.
Strong relationships create strong teams. Every player will be seen, heard, and valued. We believe in tough love — the kind that holds players accountable while building them up to become who they can be.
Be on time. Respect teammates, coaches, and the game. Give maximum effort — every practice, every drill, every possession. We don't lower the bar. We lift players up to reach it.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."
Colossians 3:23
Creation's basketball identity is built on three non-negotiable principles. This is how we prepare players to compete — at every level.
M.B.A. — Florida Memorial University
Graduate studies completed during his tenure as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach.
B.S. Event Management — Johnson & Wales University
Four-year varsity basketball starter. Defensive Player of the Year (2017). TSC Final Four (2016).
Professional Playing Honors
LNB National Champion & Finals MVP (Peru, 2018) · Copa Crisol National Champion & 1st All-League Team (Peru, 2019)
Coaching Honors
Head Men's Basketball Coach · Florida Memorial University (2025–26) — 18–11 record, Top 40 RPI, four Top 25 wins · Associate Head Coach & Director of Operations · FMU (2024–25) — 22–8 record, NAIA National Tournament at-large bid, three Top 25 wins · Sun Conference Developmental Championships (2022, 2024) · TSC Conference Championships (2022, 2024) · NAIA National Tournament Appearance (2024–25) · Named Sun Conference Development Commissioner (2021) · AP Top 25 Votes Received (2025–26) · HBCU Invitational Runner-Up (2025–26)
Partnerships & Community
Miami Heat · AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic · Active volunteer with local organizations promoting sportsmanship and academic achievement among underserved youth.
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