Verstraeten Coming Up Big For Sharks As They Head Into State Tournament

The Miami Dade College men’s basketball team has spent much of the 2025–26 season fighting two opponents — the one across from them and the one on the injury report.

But with a 17–13 overall record, an 8–8 mark in conference play, the Sharks are still alive.

They qualified for the Florida College System Activities Association tournament in Niceville, Florida from March 11-14. Their opening round matchup has not been announced. 

“We need to control our own destiny,” Sharks Head Coach Jorge Fernandez said. 

Despite some ups and downs, belief remained steady inside the MDC locker room.

At the center of that resilience has been sophomore forward David Verstraeten, whose season has mirrored the team’s adversity.

“At the start of the season, I actually partially tore a ligament in my left foot that kept me out for two, three weeks,” Verstraeten said. “After seeing the team struggle here and there because you don’t have size that much, it was pretty clear to me that it was an immediate response for me to get back on the court and try to get the team to win.”

From Antwerp to the Sharks Anchor

The Antwerp, Belgium native didn’t grow up dreaming of basketball. He was a soccer player first. But his size and physicality eventually led him to the hardwood.

“I was always the tallest, the biggest, the fastest,” he said. “When I picked up a basketball, I noticed everybody was basically just like me in this sport. That’s where the love started coming in.”

He competed in Belgium from 2022–2023, earning experience in the FIBA U18 European Championship Division B before continuing his development in Spain from 2024–2025 at Badajoz Academy. During that stretch, he drew attention from programs in the United States. However, visa delays complicated and ultimately slowed his recruitment process.

Miami Dade College ultimately became the opportunity that aligned.

Now in his first season with the Sharks, the 6-foot-7 forward has appeared in 25 games, averaging 14.6 points per game on 51.5% shooting and 7.1 rebounds per contest. With injuries forcing role adjustments, he has been tasked with scoring, rebounding and guarding opposing post 

“It’s been one of those years. Injuries have really derailed us,” Fernandez said. “We’ve been playing with seven, eight guys. Haven’t been able to practice five-on-five in a while. But to their credit, the guys haven’t given up. They’ve competed.”

After missing five games earlier this season due to a partial tear in his left foot, his teammates saw what Verstraeten added to the squad upon his return.

Three games after returning, he scored more than 30 points in back-to-back wins. On Dec 16 versus Pasco Hernando State College, Verstraeten scored 30 points and had seven rebounds, four steals and three blocks. The following day, versus Florida Coastal Prep he pitched in another dominant performance, scoring 33 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. 

“He’s a very great guy on and off the court. He’s very impactful,” said shooting guard Anthony Breland.”  When he came back, he wanted to get better. He’s always going to the gym.”

Missing Pieces

In addition to Verstraeten’s injury, the Sharks have also been without shooting guard Ernesto Rodriguez, who averaged 13 points per game in 18 appearances, before suffering a shoulder injury that has sidelined him for more than a week. He also missed some games in December and January. 

Breland, the Sharks’ leading scorer, has also played through adversity. Despite battling turf toe since early February,  he’s  averaging 17.6 points per game, shooting 53.3% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range.

With multiple contributors in and out of the lineup, team roles have shifted quickly. Verstraeten admitted that early in his return, he tried to force offense.

“When I was out, I was thinking I needed to come back and score because that’s my role,” he said. “But I realized I was forcing too much. I got to get my teammates involved.”

That adjustment has sparked an improved offensive rhythm for the Sharks.

“If you’ve seen how I played the last two games, I didn’t focus on scoring at all,”  Verstraeten said. “Was I mad about it? No. I was actually super happy for my team.” 

Fernandez believes that balance could be key as the Sharks move forward. Coach Fernadez has encouraged him to balance selflessness with aggression.

“We’ve asked him to be a little more aggressive offensively,” Fernandez said. “He’s a willing passer, but there are times we need him to score. He’s very talented.”

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