FAYETTEVILLE — Patrick Beverley attended Dana Altman’s introduction as Arkansas’ new basketball coach Monday unsure if he would remain a Razorback.

A short time later, a conversation with Altman and his mother Lisa convinced Beverley to commit himself to the coach Arkansas hired away from Creighton.

“The question everyone wants to know is is Patrick Beverley staying, and the answer to that is yes,” the SEC newcomer of the year said.

Altman said he hopes Beverley’s choice to stay, after it was rumored he was considering a transfer after Stan Heath’s firing, will be contagious to the other Razorbacks.

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Altman said it takes time for a new coach and players to build trust. He is going to be busy in his first few days and weeks on the job getting to know his players and ironing out who is in or out, but he already has an “in” from Beverley, one of Arkansas’ most important returning players.

At least one Arkansas player is having second thoughts. Compliance director Marvin Caston said forward Darian Townes, one of seven seniors for 2007-2008, requested a release Monday. When Caston told him players wouldn’t be granted a release immediately, Townes said he’d think it over.

“I think he had great feelings about the university and its support. He just wanted to be reassured that the new coaching staff wanted him here and wanted him to be a big part of the program,” Altman said. “I think all the players want that. They want an opportunity, and I let them all know that we want them here and we think they all have something that they can contribute to our team. But it’s nice to know that Patrick and his mother are happy to be here.”

What Beverley wanted more than anything from the new coach was that he’d be able to play his game without altering his style, which made him among the most exciting and productive players in the SEC.

He was impressed with Altman when he addressed the team for a quick five-minute meet-and-greet. Altman also had a promising chat with Patrick and Lisa Beverley, who was in attendance at Walton Arena on Monday. That was the stamp of approval.

“When I signed to play at Arkansas, I didn’t sign up to play for a particular coach,” said Beverley, who added that his love for the Arkansas fans and not wanting to let them down figured into his plans. “[Altman ] told me I’m a great scorer and he’s going to do things to provide me [a chance to be a leader ], and that’s right up my alley.

“ I told him I’m committed and I can’t wait to play for him.”

Freshman g uard Stefan Welsh said he was excited about Altman’s hiring.

“He was real impressive,” Welsh said. “I made a commitment to Coach Heath. With him not being here, things can get a little bit skeptical. But Coach Altman, I’ve heard nothing but great things about him.”