The Academy of Art heads into the 2015-16 season with head coach Julius Barnes at the helm in his fourth season with ART U. Last year, the Urban Knights had their second winningest season in program history, going 7-19 and 5-20 in the Pacific West Conference. Paved with six top 25 teams, the Urban Knights' schedule saw 15 games that were decided by 10 points or less.
 
"There's no doubt that the [Pacific West Conference] was one of the top conferences [last] year," said Barnes. "I knew teams would be good, but I don't know that anyone could've predicted the success that the conference enjoyed…" For a full recap of the 2014-15 season, click here!
 
The PacWest will still be a powerhouse this year, featuring 11th ranked Cal Baptist.
 
"The conference has continued to grow and be very competitive…the only way to get better is to play teams that are better" said Barnes.
 
As it stands, the Urban Knights will also face #17 Chico State on Nov. 24.

ART U is set to begin their season this weekend at the 2015 PacWest/CCAA Tournament in San Rafael, Calif. The first game will feature Academy of Art versus Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Live Stats|Video. Last year, the Otters ranked sixth in the CCAA going 13-15 and 9-13 in conference play. ART U's next opponent is Sonoma State on Saturday. The Seawolves tied the Otters for sixth place last season, also posting a 9-13 conference record and going 12-14 overall. For an entire breakdown of the 2015-16 schedule, click here!
 
The Urban Knights have eight returners this season including sophomore guard Jase Harrison who was a four-time PacWest Freshman of the Week last year and finished as a finalist for the conference's Freshman of the Year. Other returners include sophomore guard Uchenna Okeneme, redshirt junior guard Marshawn McMahan, redshirt junior guard Sergio Valdeolmillos, senior guard/forward Nick Cary, junior guard/forward Herman Pratt IV, redshirt junior forward Tyler Sabino, and redshirt junior center Trent Stokes.
 
The Academy of Art will also be welcoming in three newcomers. The first of which is guard/forward Chris Salas who is a 6-3 junior transfer from Irvine Valley college. Last year, Salas was awarded a spot on the 2015 First Team All-Orange Empire Conference and was co-MVP for the IVC Lasers. Blake O'Donnell is another 6-3 junior transfer who joins the Urban Knights from Mt. San Jacinto College. At MSJC, O'Donnell was a two-year team captain, averaging 11.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. Lastly, 5-11 guard Cobe Williams joins ART U as the only freshman on the team. As captain of Arroyo Grand High School, Williams lettered all four years and was a two-time First All-League and All-County honoree, scored 29 points with nine assists in the Kiwanis All-Star Game, and played in the CIF championship as a freshman.
 
"I think with the recruits that we brought in…they're all good kids and good basketball players as well…the chemistry so far has been good. I'm excited for the games," Barnes said in an interview earlier this month.
 
"Last year…we won big games…we learned how to win," Cary added.
 
The Academy of Art looks to apply that knowledge by putting their best season together while utilizing the experience of their returning players, supplemented with their three incoming student-athletes.