GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) - Mike Krzyzewski whispered through a series of interviews at ACC Operation Basketball with a case of laryngitis. However, Duke is expected to make plenty of noise again in the ACC race.

The Blue Devils became the first program to be picked to win the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season race four consecutive years, beating out North Carolina in voting Sunday by media members.

Duke received 53 of 55 first-place votes for 493 points, while the Tar Heels, under new coach Roy Williams, got one top vote and 422 points.

Defending ACC regular-season champion Wake Forest received the other No. 1 vote and was picked third with 382 points.

"We just embrace it and we use it as motivation to become good," senior point guard Chris Duhon said the preseason ranking.

"We know that puts an even bigger target on our backs and everybody is going to come after us, but it gets us more determined and hungry to go after other teams."

It was the sixth time in seven seasons Duke has been picked to win the regular season title. The Blue Devils have also won an unprecedented five straight ACC tournament crowns.

"They have been dominating the last couple of years and that's cool with me," star North Carolina guard Raymond Felton said. "I like to be the underdog and not be No. 1 all the time. I like to feel like we've accomplished something we worked for. Duke is No. 1 and I think they deserve it."

Felton was selected as the preseason player of the year and was joined on the all- conference team by Julius Hodge of N.C. State, J.J. Redick of Duke, Vytas Danelius of Wake Forest and Tim Pickett of Florida State.

Duke's Luol Deng was voted the preseason rookie of the year.

In addition to Redick and Duhon, Duke returns starters Daniel Ewing and Shelden Williams and will add the talented Deng to the mix.

The Blue Devils are also deep with Nick Horvath, Sean Dockery and Shavlik Randolph on the roster.

"There is no certain starting five," Duhon said. "There is nobody you can say is an automatic starter. That's what coach likes. It will enable him to use his creativity."

The Tar Heels, 19-16 last season, return five starters in Williams' first season at the helm of one of college basketball's best programs.

"Right now, everybody loves me and they tell me they're happy I'm back," Williams said. "My standard line with everybody is, `I hope you feel that way two or three years from now."'

Duhon believes the Tar Heels have enough talent to challenge Duke for the crown.

"Time will tell," he said. "They had amazing talent last year, but their communication or chemistry with their coach was their only downfall. They are capable of being a great team. Coach Williams is going to get those guys ready. They can be as good as anybody in the country."

UNC forward Jawad Williams is expecting the same.

"Our talent is there, hands down," the junior said. "I think we have a chance to be one of the best teams ever."

In North Carolina history?

"No, the best team in NCAA history. We've got a hunger about us right now."

The Demon Deacons lost player of the year Josh Howard, but returns four starters from a 25-6 team.

"Nothing is going to be given to us," guard Taron Downey said. "There are no guarantees in basketball. We've still got to go out and work hard and trust one another. As long as we have that we'll be a good team this year."