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ESPN's new mock NBA draft has Eric Bledsoe in a good mood.

Chad Ford, who writes the column, talks to scouts and general managers.

The deadline to to withdraw your name from the NBA draft is Saturday. Cal doesn't expect any of the Cats who are thinking about the NBA to come back.

ESPN now has '5' Cats in the first 18 players selected. They have Eric Bledsoe being selected by former UK star Pat Riley for Miami.

Ford's take on the 6-foot-1 inch 190 pounder: "Bledsoe is a tough, Pat Riley type of player and could be a long-term upgrade from the Mario Chalmers-Carlos Arroyo duo at point guard."

Being ready physically and mentally are two different things. Bledsoe would not be expected to take over right away.

"Physically, he's ready for the NBA right now. But he still needs more game-time experience running the point. Long term, Bledsoe could pay off," says ESPN.

John Wall obviously remains number one going to New Jersey.

"This is a no-brainer for the Nets if they are lucky enough to land the No. 1 pick. Some look at starting point guard Devin Harris and wonder whether New Jersey should select Evan Turner instead."

ESPN believes that if New Jersey is lucky enough to get the former UK star, Wall might attract more talent to their franchise.

"Although they like Harris, they love Wall. The Kentucky freshman is the type of young potential superstar who could lure a big-time free agent to Jersey this summer."

ESPN has DeMarcus Cousins going 4th in the draft to Golden State.

"It figures that Cousins would land in Golden State. The Warriors are filled with young talent, but they're also the most dysfunctional team in the league. Enter Cousins, who was the most talented big man in college basketball, but also the most unstable. It's a match made in heaven."

This might surprise many True Blue Fans. They have Daniel Orton one spot ahead of Patrick Patterson. Orton goes 11th to New Orleans.

"Orton barely made a dent in the box score for Kentucky, but NBA scouts are convinced he could be a really good NBA center. He is strong and physical, and can dominate on the defensive end."

Obviously, Orton has to work on his game.

"He needs to improve his offense, but if he does, he could be a star down the road. The Hornets were very thin up front all season. Orton also would give them some insurance in the event Emeka Okafor breaks down."

Patrick Patterson goes 12th to Memphis.

"The Grizzlies are trying to find a way to eke back into the playoffs. After he drafted a "future" guy in Hasheem Thabeet in 2009, expect GM Chris Wallace to go with a more veteran, proven college player this year."

ESPN believes that Patrick gets playing time right away.

"Patterson doesn't wow you with anything he does, but he's solid in virtually every area. Most importantly for the Grizzlies, he would be ready to come in and contribute on day one."