SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor
Juan Mitchell (football/basketball, 1982-87) was a two-sport standout on both the football field and basketball court.
As a wide receiver, Mitchell finished his career with 155 receptions for 2,696 yards and 20 touchdowns. His career receiving yards still ranks in the top 10 all-time in school history. Mitchell’s best season came as a senior in 1985 when he led SMSU with 65 receptions for 1,044 yards and nine touchdowns while earning first team all-conference accolades. He was the first Mustang receiver in school history to have over 1,000 yards receiving in one season.
He had his best basketball season as a senior in 1986-87 when he was named Most Valuable Player of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference. He is one of just three Mustang players to ever earn the award and is still the last SMSU player to do so.
During his MVP season, in which he helped lead SMSU to a second place finish in the conference, he averaged a double-double per game averaging 15.5 points and 10.4 rebounds. He became the first modern guard in NIC history to lead the league in rebounds with 11.6 in conference play. For his efforts, he was named honorable mention NAIA All-America.
He was a two-time NAIA District 13 first team pick and was a second team All-NIC selection in 1986, ranking third in the conference in rebounds.
