PUR - Ali joins the mix

SAN JUAN (FIBA Americas Championship for Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - Puerto Rico are expecting to get a lift from Oregon State guard Ali Gibson when they compete at the FIBA Americas Championship for Women.

The California-born Gibson is eligible to play for the Boricuas because her mother, Janet, was born on the island.

Gibson's grandfather was working in Puerto Rico for several months when his wife went into labor.

A rising junior with the Beavers, Gibson averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in the 2012-13 collegiate campaign.

"My grandfather toiled here in electricity projects," Gibson said in the Puerto Rican media.

"And while in Puerto Rico, my mom was born here."

At the FIBA Americas Championship for Women, which tips off 21 September in Xalapa, Mexico, Gibson is hoping to be a real spark for the team.

"I hope to help Puerto Rico as much as possible," she said.

It remains to be seen what her role will be with Puerto Rico, who will travel to Mexico looking to qualify for the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women.

"I don't have an established role as such, yet, but it would be exciting to be the spark that comes from the bench to score and play defense," she said.

"I'm that kind of player. I like to score and make plays on drives to the basket. I think I can be useful in that role."

Gibson isn't the only person in her family to play sports.

Her father, Bruce, played American football in the NFL for four years.

FIBA