Chukwu is a normal transfer. The grad transfer market isn't really somewhere to have continued success, it is for filling holes where a guy can come get immediate playing time. Its something that we should hope not to have to do very frequently especially past this next class. If Battle leaves then a grad transfer on the wing becomes a necessity since there won't be a natural 2 or 3 on the roster. Can't imagine any grad would possibly be interested at the 1/4/5 as those minutes are going to be filled regardless of who comes/goes.
Transfer market is a crapshoot. We have no idea who will be available. You're right that you can't maintain an elite program for very long like that. And I would add that if you're having trouble filling classes with high school seniors, what makes anyone think grad transfers will be easier to recruit going forward? There's heavy competition for the top talent regardless.