James Gandolfini's new HBO role

HBO is still James Gandolfini's smallscreen home. James Gandolfini -© Glenn Harris / Photorazzi

James Gandolfini -© Glenn Harris / PhotorazziThe Emmy-winning actor has signed on to star as a corporate sports scout in the HBO Films feature "ABCD Camp"Variety reports that Gandolfini will serve as executive produce through his Attaboy Films production company, which has an exclusive deal with HBO.HBO has confirmed the project was in development. The deal was reported by Variety initially.According to HBO, Gandolfini will star in the real-life tale as Sonny Vaccaro, the man frequently credited with taking Michael Jordan from hoops player to the level of superstardom, brokering his multimillion-dollar endorsement deal with Nike. Vaccaro also shaped NBA heavyweights LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, both players who skipped college, as well as other key players.The NCAA went after Vaccaro by restricting how much financial compensation was offered to high school and college players.The movie will center on the last youth basketball camp established by Vaccaro.Variety reports the film will be coproduced by Verso Entertainment, a production company created by Golden State Warriors guard Baron Davis and Cash Warren, Jessica Alba's ex.Friday Night Lights' writer David Aaron Cohen will serve as screenwriter after he completes another HBO sports drama, "Dare to Dream," the story of the U.S. women's soccer team.Variety reports that "ABCD Camp" is the second project Gandolfini has produced with HBO through his Attaboy Films."Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq," was the production company's first effort - a documentary where Gandolfini interviews 10 veterans of the Iraq war upon their return to the U.S."There's a lot of negative stuff about kids these days, about how America's children are growing up," Gandolfini was quoted at the HBO Television Critics Association (TCA) panel. "If you tune in to this show, you'll see some of the best that America has to offer."HBO reports that "Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq" will air September 9. "ABCD Camp" is expected to begin production early 2008.