FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- With one player undecided about staying at Arkansas, new basketball coach Stan Heath left a good first impression Thursday on other members of the team.

J.J. Sullinger has been on the fence for several days, and said again Thursday he was contemplating a return to his home state, perhaps to play for Ohio State.

Senior Carl Baker said the first thing the new coach did was meet with the seniors. He said Heath is ambitious and appeared primed to be a good coach.

"We want the effort. I told some of them he was young and I feel like he was trying to build his name so everything he's doing he's going to do to the fullest of his ability, trying to build the program, trying to build his name," Baker said. "He's a young coach just getting started. I feel like he's hungry."

Baker said he got the sense the 37-year-old new coach will be able to instill an enthusiasm among the players.

"As long as we have a positive attitude, everything will work for the best," Baker said.

Blake Eddins said he and his teammates were excited.

"Wins," Eddins said. "That's the one and only thing we want -- our wins. I don't care how we get them. I don't care who plays, who starts, who scores points, in the ball game. You know he brings a hard work, team work attitude, a positive attitude that's going to rub off on everyone."

Eddins said Heath is personable, and introduced his family when he met with players in the locker room.

Eddins first impression? "Love him," he said.

Charles Tatum said he appreciated Heath's mention of fired coach Nolan Richardson.

"He stepped into a legend's shoes, you got to give him his credit. He made it a point to make sure coach Richardson's name was mentioned and that's important," Tatum said.

Tatum said Heath didn't flinch in taking the high-profile position at Arkansas, a trait Tatum said he appreciates.

"This is the last run for most of us," Tatum said. "We got to come up and dedicate ourselves to coach (Heath) and we got to follow him. He's the leader now."

Eddins said the team is ready to get to work.

"We're expecting big things next year," he said.