You want a Father-Son basketball feel good story? Steve and Ryan Ridder gave us one opening night.

Gosh knows, college basketball could use one right now, but FBI investigations, overseas shoplifters and Lavar Ball's 753rd televised interview of the week kinda overshadow things these days. That's okay. It's November.

For 28 years, Steve Ridder has built Embry-Riddle basketball from a four-win team playing in a middle school gym into one of the nation's most respected small college programs. On Friday night, Embry-Riddle finally ascended officially into the NCAA ranks and played its first Division II game against Mississippi College.

Meanwhile, after a stellar high school career at Father Lopez, finishing his college career playing for his dad and building Daytona State from a five-win team into one that won 94 games in four seasons, Ryan made his debut as the third-youngest coach in Division I at the helm of our Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, finally taking the court after generating preseason hype that hasn't been seen for the program since the days of Johnny Allen, Carl Fuller and Owen Harris putting up 100 points a night without the aid of a shot clock or three-point line.

How cool is that? Father and Son making some history on opening night.

In the same town.

At the same time. 

Steve tipped off at 7 p.m. Ryan followed an hour later. So much for a shared experience.

That's okay. It's November.

Once November comes around, basketball families have to find a way to put the fun in dysfunctional. Practice, travel and game nights don't allow the nuclear family to exist. God gave them Skype and live stats for a purpose.

It's not just the Ridder family. Look at Vanessa Blair-Lewis and Eric Lewis. She's our women's coach. He's an NBA official. Frequent flier miles aside, that's tough. "Hi honey, we just crushed Norfolk State for the conference lead. How was your day? You Teed up Vince Carter AGAIN? Hey, can you pick up our son something from the Atlanta airport on the way home?"

Since Steve and Ryan's gyms are only two miles apart, the logistical challenges aren't that bad. But there are times when basketball season turns all of us into characters from Harry Chapin's "Cats In The Cradle." When you coming home Dad? I don't know when. But we'll get together then. You know we'll have a good time then.

The running joke is that coaches' kids turn out to be coaches because if you want quality face time with Pops during the season, it comes watching game film. Steve admitted that's happened a lot. Even more so now that they're both coaches.

"Done that on many an occasion," Steve said. "Stop by the office, talk basketball. 

"During the season, there are a lot of highs and a lot of lows, but it's the greatest professional to be a part of, especially if you're in it for the right reason," Steve added. "Ryan will build the right culture here at Bethune-Cookman. He will care about his players and they will play hard because they know he loves them and will hold them accountable to become better players and people."

As the matriarch of the basketball family, Vicky Ridder knew exactly how to cover the situation Friday. She was there for Steve's historical tip off, and when that game hit halftime, drove over here just in time to catch Ryan's historical tip off. It was effortless.

"Well, it becomes our normal," Vicky said. "We learn how to balance meals, family time. It's not as hard as you think as long as you're prepared."

As soon as the buzzer sounded on Embry-Riddle's 92-73 victory, Steve delegated all the post-game stuff to his staff and quickly made his way to Moore Gym and caught the second half of the Wildcats' 108-66 triumph over Johnson (Fla.). His and Vicky's seats were right behind the Wildcat bench and he could hear most of Ryan's coach speak. A lot of it sounded familiar. Too familiar. My boy's just like me.

Ryan afterwards could sit back and wax poetic. As amazing a family experience this was, sometimes it's nice simply to be 1-0. It also helps when your point guard dishes out 12 assists and you shoot 60 percent from the field.

"It's been a special week, no doubt," Ryan said. "It's about embracing the journey. Sometimes we get so caught up in the destination we forget to step back and enjoy everyday wins and losses. Dad's so excited about Bethune-Cookman he's asking all the questions – `How's Mailk [Maitland], How's [Brandon] Tabb?' Yeah, a special time for my family, but special for the Bethune-Cookman family as well."

Saturday didn't get any better. That's okay. It's November. It was Ryan's birthday. Steve had a game. Ryan had to get ready for a road swing to Texas. The new job's a hassle … but it was sure nice talking to you, Dad.

Things will probably settle down after the final game in March. Then Ryan and Steve can sit down and relax. Of course, they'll watch some film. Compare recruiting notes.

But you know they'll have a good time then.