World University Games coverage: Argentina | UAE | Czech Republic | Romania | Israel | Serbia | Lithuania

Now that Purdue is Purdue again — for the past few weeks, and months really, it's been Team USA — it's not as much the result at the World University Games that matters as it is all that went into it and all that's to come from it.

The Boilermakers, wearing the red, white and blue, finished as the event's runner-up, bringing home a silver medal.

But in so doing, they gained important experience and perspective that should set them well ahead come the first day of official practice in October.

Here some some things learned about Purdue during its time in Taipei and the weeks that preceded it.

Faster can be better: People perceive Purdue as plodders. (Say that 10 times fast.)

But though the Boilermakers have possessed overwhelming size, perception has not necessarily been reality. Purdue did lead the Big Ten in scoring last season, was one of the best three-point shooting teams out there, and a generally excellent passing team.