'Game of Thrones' giant was a former North Carolina basketball player

Chris Littmann

'Game of Thrones' giant was a former North Carolina basketball player image

SPOILERS AHEAD, OBVIOUSLY.

Sunday's "Game of Thrones," titled "The Watchers on the Wall," was singularly focused on the wall being attacked from both sides. Among the things attacking: wildlings, mammoths and giants.

One of those giants, who made his way to the inner gate at the wall, was played by former North Carolina and Holy Cross big man Neil Fingleton. Really. (Check out the photo caption from the LA Times.)

Photo via HBO with an assist from Alan Sepinwall

And here's Fingleton in a more familiar setting: a basketball court.

And here he is in the credits from Sunday night.

Fingleton has found a bit of a niche in the acting world, also appearing in "47 Ronin" and "X-Men: First Class." In case you're wondering, Fingleton stands somewhere between 7-6 and 7-8, depending on what online resource you trust. He was a member of the 2000 McDonald's All-American team.

There was much more to the episode than Fingleton's cameo, so if you want to read more, head over to HitFix.

Chris Littmann