Raptors coach Lenny Wilkens almost broke down in tears when he began to discuss Stan Albeck, his longtime friend and assistant.

Just as the Raptors were about to gather inside their dressing room for a team meeting before yesterday's 3 p.m. tipoff against the visiting Miami Heat, Albeck looked ill.

After the team's medical staff tended to Albeck, he was whisked away by ambulance to St. Michael's Hospital.

Albeck, 70, suffered a stroke and was expected to remain in hospital overnight.

"You know he's in good hands, but still you worry," Wilkens said. "You want to make sure he's okay. It's hard."