TRENTON, N.J. >> Former NBA player Tate George is arguing his case in federal court in New Jersey as he awaits sentencing on fraud charges.

The former University of Connecticut star was convicted in 2013 on four counts of wire fraud in what prosecutors say was a real estate Ponzi scheme.

Each count carries a maximum 20-year sentence. But George likely will face far less time.

George is representing himself at Wednesday’s hearing in Trenton. He claims the real estate ventures were legitimate and he didn’t mislead anybody.

The government has presented charts to show that as investors’ money came in, it was used to pay off earlier investors.

Among the investors were current NBA player Charlie Villanueva and former player Brevin Knight.

George played for Milwaukee and New Jersey in the NBA.