Stanford:

‘Mad Dog’ Madsen returns as assistant coach

Stanford will have a “Mad Dog’’ in its huddle next season.

Former Cardinal AllAmerica forward Mark Madsen has been added to head coach Johnny Dawkins’ staff as an assistant coach, it was announced Tuesday. Madsen replaces Dick Davey, who served for four years as associate head coach before retiring after last season.

Madsen, one of the most inspirational players in school history, helped Stanford to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a berth in the 1998 Final Four. He also played on the Lakers’ NBA championship teams of 2001 and ’02.

After three years in Los Angeles, Madsen played six years for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2009-10, he served as an assistant coach with the Utah Flash of the NBA Development League. His primary focus will be with Stanford’s post players.

Madsen, 36, was a popular choice among the players. He spent the past two years on campus completing course work toward his MBA and developed friendships with many of the players when he accompanied them on their preseason trip to Spain last year.

“Mark’s energy and enthusiasm (are) infectious and his experience at Stanford will provide an invaluable resource to our team,’’ Dawkins said.

Dubbed “Mad Dog’’ because of his physical and aggressive play, the San Ramon Valley HighDanville alum averaged 10.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in his Stanford career and ranked among the school’s top-10 alltime performers in fieldgoal percentage (fourth, 58.7), and rebounds (sixth, 857).

During his career, Stanford was 105-24, won two Pac-10 titles and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2000. His three-point play with 26 seconds left was the key play as the Cardinal beat Rhode Island 79-77 in the Midwest Regional final to earn a berth in the 1998 Final Four.